Few professions are as cruel and inhumane as the fattening of calves for slaughter. So when Pinchas slew Zimri,
many said: "Look at this holy zealot! He acts as if motivated by the
desire to avenge the honor of G-d and save the people, but, in truth, he
has merely found a holy outlet for his cruel and violent nature. After
all, it's in his blood--just look at his maternal grandfather..." So G-d
described him as "Pinchas the son of Elazar the son of Aaron" in order
to attest that in character and temperament he actually took after his
paternal grandfather--the compassionate and peace-loving Aaron.
The true greatness of Pinchas lay in that he acted in complete
opposition to his nature, transcending his inborn instincts to bring
peace between G-d and Israel.
(The Lubavitcher Rebbe)
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