Last week's Torah portion was the story of Pinchas, aka 'Phineas,' and the Midianite women. (I am forbidden to put up the link, since it includes the dreaded T-word, but I encourage those interested to hear the discussion.)What weighs heavier on the scale, justice or peace? I think there’s a great argument for both.
The 'men of Israel' were engaged in open rebellion to YHVH (and 'in-His-face' idolatry, for which a number had just been hung.)
And this fellow, who was a Kohen, (actually Aaron's grandson) took a spear, and committed "murder" - by chucking it straight through Zimri and Cosbi, "en flagrante delecto."
"And the plague was stayed." But not until 24,000 people had died!
And for that act of admitted violence, good ole Pinchas was awarded the "eternal Covenant of Peace," by none other than YHVH Himself!
Ponder the implications.
....Just maybe, sometimes people claim, "peace, peace," when there IS no peace...
And when there is no justice in the land, judgment looms.