7 Now when Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose from among the congregation and took a javelin in his hand;

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 25:7

Commentary on Numbers 25:6-15

(Read Numbers 25:6-15)

Phinehas, in the courage of zeal and faith, executed vengeance on Zimri and Cozbi. This act can never be an example for private revenge, or religious persecution, or for irregular public vengeance.