Time Brings Clarity

R' Fleischmann writes in his post, Pinchas Postscript:

The story of Pinchas takes place in Parshat Balak. Only the postscript of Pinchas' reward appears in the section that bears his name. Rabbi Moshe of Coucy explains that a thin line separates impulsive intolerance from righteous zeal. Time clarifies motivation. The pause between Pinchas' action and his repayment represent a period of observation. After evaluation proved Pinchas was mature and sincere, his behavior was rewarded.

I like this idea that time clarifies motivation.

Similarly with respect to zealotry and refining zeal, R' Kook writes:

From Shmuel Hakatan we see that zealotry is not a simple, straightforward trait. Zeal must be refined to ensure that it is pure and truly for the sake of heaven ...

Only God could testify as to the purity of Pinchas' zeal, that he acted solely for the sake of Heaven, without any admixture of pettiness or personal animosity.

Yes, time brings clarity and Hashem testifies as to the motivation of destructive zeal which seeks to injure another human being.

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