PINHAS

Now, with the Jordan’s ford almost in sight,
Another count was made of Israel’s men,
A matter of inheritance decided,
Zelophehad’s daughters justified. But then
Moshe was told that G-d would not relent,
That from this place he could no longer lead.
Moshe then pleaded, "Let the one You send
Know each person’s character and need."
Called Yehoshua, laid his hand on him,
That some of Sinai’s majesty might pass
From brow to brow, although a lesser gleam
Lit the new leader’s face, and he must ask
G-d’s counsel through the Urim and Thummim
Upon the breast of the father of Pinhas.