An everlasting priesthood To continue as long as the law and commonwealth of the Jews did. But this promise was conditional, and therefore might be made void by the miscarriages of Phinehas's sons, as it seems it was, and thereupon a like promise was made to Eli, of the line of Ithamar, that he and his should walk before the Lord, namely, in the office of high-priest, for ever, which also for his and their sins was made void, 1 Samuel 2:30. And the priesthood returned to Phinehas's line in the time of Solomon, 1 Kings 2:26-27; 1 Kings 2:34. Because he was zealous for his God God, who searches the heart, saw that this emotion proceeded not from private passion, but from just indignation against such infamous lewdness, and a truly pious zeal for the honour of God. And made an atonement for Israel Procured pardon and peace for them from God. Zimri, a prince of a chief house This is mentioned to do honour to Phinehas, who in this brave act feared not the dignity of a man of so great interest in his tribe.
Related Commentaries of Numbers 25:13
Numbers 25:13-14
13 And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel.
14 Now the name of the Israelite that was slain, even that was slain with the Midianitish woman, was Zimri, the son of Salu, a prince of a chiefa house among the Simeonites.