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Updates  Pinchas(Numbers 25:10-30:1)  Pinchas and Zimri: The
Anatomy of an Argument  Sometimes, biblical stories are complex
or densely and intricately woven; other times, the storyline
seems straightforward, morally unequivocal, simple stuff: right
and wrong, good and bad. One such seemingly open and shut case
is the killing of Zimri at the hands of Pinchas. While pacifists
might decry the taking of a life, in this case a moral outrage
was spreading in the camp - wanton, orgiastic debauches and
idolatry. Zimri, a leader of the tribe of Shimon, publicly takes
Kozbi, a willing participant from the daughters of Midian. The
transgression is flagrant and unmistakable, brazen and
unabashed. Pinchas steps in to end the disgrace, to halt the
epidemic by means of the sword. The reward he is given leaves
little room for doubt: Pinchas is good, Zimri is bad. Pinchas is
right, Zimri is wrong. In fa