The Zeal of Moshe, Nadav and Avihu, and Pinhas

There is a striking resemblance between the sin of Baal Peor and the sin of the Golden Calf. In both cases, the sin (which involves idolatry and prohibited sexual activity) follows a major public revelation; both sins are followed by a plague; and in both cases the leader - Moshe or Pinchas - commits a zealous act to stop the plague. The similarities also highlight the contrast between the two episodes, and Moshe's inactivity is emphasized in light of Pinchas's action. An additional link to Nadav and Avihu's actions at the inauguration of the Mishkan demonstrates the boundaries of zealousness and the distinction between appropriate and inappropriate zealous acts.