Question
Why is the Sedra (Torah Portion) Pinchas called Pinchas when the story of Pinchas was last week in [the Torah Portion of] Balak?
Answer
A Sedra is always known by a significant word that appears at the beginning of the parasha. Since Pinchas does not appear until the end of Balak, the next Sedra, which continues the story of Pinchas, had to be named for him.
All the Best,
Rabbi Azriel ShreiberÂ