4 figures
Priest and grandson of Aaron, zealous for God's honor.
Phinehas took decisive action to stop the plague among the Israelites by killing an Israelite man and a Midianite woman who were blatantly sinning, thus turning away God's wrath.
A prophet who previously attempted to curse Israel but ended up blessing them.
Though not directly mentioned in this chapter, Balaam's counsel led to the Israelites' sin with the Moabite women, as revealed in later passages.
An Israelite man who openly sinned with a Midianite woman.
Zimri's blatant sin with Cozbi, a Midianite woman, provoked God's anger, leading to a plague among the Israelites.
A Midianite woman involved in leading Israel into sin.
Cozbi, a Midianite princess, was killed by Phinehas along with Zimri, highlighting the severity of Israel's sin and the need for purification.