(The Segulah of Learning Zera Shimshon)
Rashi, in this parsha, quotes Chazal in Bava Basra (109b) saying that Pinchas was an offspring of Yisro who was also known as Putiel. He was known as Putiel, because he fattened cows for avoda zara.
The question here is why he is named for something derogatory. We have a mitzva to not remind a convert about his past, and is this not an affront to Yisro's honor?
It is actually the opposite! It is a praise to him. This was a man who was so involved in avoda zara that he fattened cows for idol worship. Yet, when he learned the truth, recognized Hashem, he let it all go. Calling him by Putiel is a praise.
This is hinted to in the name itself. The malach in charge of forgetfulness is called Putah. Puti is forgetfulness of El - el nachar (foreign gods). Or, Puti, forgetfulness of avoda zara and instead cleaved to Kel, Hashem.
He is named Putiel because he fattened cows for avoda zara, but also because once he learned of Hashem he completely forgot about that part of his life.
Our past misdeeds can be a shvach (praise) for us when we leave them behind and commit to a better, holier path.
Source: Zera Shimshon Parshas Va'eira
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