A man both greater in other respects than the younger men and surpassing his contemporaries in the worthiness of his father. For he was the son of Eleazar the high priest, and the son of the daughter of Moses' brother. Being greatly troubled by what was done by Zimri, before his insolence became stronger from impunity, he decided to exact justice for these [deeds] and to prevent the lawlessness from spreading to more [people], if the leaders were not being punished. Both in boldness of soul and courage of body he was so outstanding that if he undertook any dangerous [deeds] he would not leave off before he fought it through and took victory in it. Coming to Zimri's tent, striking him with his sword he killed him and Chasbith [Cozbi].[1] But all the young men who had a claim to virtue and love of the good, imitating Phinehas' daring, slew those who had been guilty of deeds like those of Zimri. So many of the law-breakers were destroyed by the courage of these men, but all perished also from a plague, God having inflicted the disease on them. But all died who being relatives [who ought] to prevent urged them on to these deeds, as God judged them guilty. So of the ranks not less than 4600 perished.[2] Being provoked for this cause, Moses sent the army for the destruction of the Midianites.