בס”ד
Introduction
The story of Korah in Numbers 16 provides important insights into leadership, the consequences of pride, and the possibility of repentance. Korah, a Levite and cousin of Moses, rebels against the G-d-given authority of Moses and Aaron. This text explores the depth of his sins, the consequences for his children, and the hope for forgiveness.
The Sin of Korah
| 30 But if the L-RD make a new thing, and the ground open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down alive into the pit, then ye shall understand that these men have despised the L-RD.’ | ל וְאִם-בְּרִיאָה יִבְרָא ד’, וּפָצְתָה הָאֲדָמָה אֶת-פִּיהָ וּבָלְעָה אֹתָם וְאֶת-כָּל-אֲשֶׁר לָהֶם, וְיָרְדוּ חַיִּים, שְׁאֹלָה–וִידַעְתֶּם, כִּי נִאֲצוּ הָאֲנָשִׁים הָאֵלֶּה אֶת-ד’ |
The sin of Korah (and that of Dathan and Abiram) was so great that G-d created something new to punish them. Even the children under the age of 13, who are normally not held responsible for their sins, were involved in this punishment. The Sages say that the heavenly Court does not punish for things that are not clearly expressed in the written Torah until the age of 20. (This in itself is not a clear cut statement, rabbis discuss it and the conclusion of some if that there is punishment at least in the world to come)1. The sin was so serious that Moses warned the people not to even go near Korah’s tent; anything in the vicinity was swallowed by the earth.2
Korah’s Division
Korah was a great-grandson of Levi, the third of Jacob’s twelve sons, and a cousin of Moses and Aaron, respectively the Jewish leader and high priest. Korah was very wealthy3 and a clever, astute person.4 His status as a member of the Levite tribe allowed him to participate in the service in the Mishkan. Despite his high position, he was not satisfied and desired more than was due to him. Therefore, he rebelled against Moses.
Accusations and Rebellion
Korah accused Moses of appointing himself as leader, as stated in Numbers 16:3:
| 3 and they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them: ‘Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the L-RD is among them; wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the assembly of the L-RD?’ | 3 ג וַיִּקָּהֲלוּ עַל-מֹשֶׁה וְעַל-אַהֲרֹן, וַיֹּאמְרוּ אֲלֵהֶם רַב-לָכֶם–כִּי כָל-הָעֵדָה כֻּלָּם קְדֹשִׁים, וּבְתוֹכָם ד’; וּמַדּוּעַ תִּתְנַשְּׂאוּ, עַל-קְהַל ד’ |
He also believed it was unfair that his brother Aaron held the position of high priest, a role he thought did not belong to Aaron, especially after the whole incident with the golden calf.5
The Dangers of Pride
Korach wanted even more wealth and power than he already had. It was a prideful power struggle against the humble leader, Moses. This was more than a struggle against Moses; it was a battle against God Himself. It was not Moses who had proclaimed himself leader; G-d had appointed him (Exodus 3,1-6) This leadership was confirmed at Sinai when G-d said that the people would believe not only in Him but also in Moses (Exodus 19:9). Lacking confidence in Moses is equivalent to lacking faith in G-d, because Moses is not only G-d’s servant; he is G-d’s emissary in all matters, and the Shechinah speaks through him.
Undermining the Torah
Korah provoked not only Moses but God Himself (Numbers 16:28-30). He undermined the foundation of the Torah’s message, both Written and Oral, that God conveys through Moses. By speaking words of supposed holiness, Korah put the transmission of the Torah in immediate danger. Instead of holiness, people would start following empty words.
Lessons for Today
This serves as an important lesson for today. Examine your leaders and consider whom you want to follow. There are many so-called leaders who seem to speak Torah, but their words are empty and are not meant to elevate the world or people spiritually; rather, they seek to raise their own fame and status.
A second lesson is that true, sincere leaders who pass on the Torah speak the words of G-d. Speaking ill of them is equivalent to speaking ill of G-d. Be cautious about that.
The Consequences of Korah’s Rebellion
Korah’s punishment was dreadful, especially for his children, who were innocent. This underscores the importance of raising children properly. A wrong upbringing can have a tremendous impact on their lives. Generally, children with a religious upbringing are more likely to come to faith in G-d than those raised atheistically, without awareness of G-d.
Hope and Redemption
Yet, there is always hope. The sons of Korah descended alive into Sheol but were spared. At the last moment, they repented of their evil deeds. They figuratively clung to G-d and Moses, choosing life, which resulted in their return to the community later on.6 Moreover, they became the composers of some beautiful Psalms.7
From this, we learn that if we hold fast to the Living Words of the Torah, there is always the possibility of repentance; a person can always return to G-d.
By Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks to Rabbi Tuvia Serber for his Feedback
With thanks to B. Yaniger for the inspiration
Sources
- Shabbat 89b. See Bamidbar 16:27 and Rashi ↩︎
- Bamidbar 16:34 ↩︎
- Pesachim 119a ↩︎
- Bamidbar Rabbah 18:8 ↩︎
- Rashi on Numbers 15:3 You have taken too much greatness for yourselves. All heard the sounds at Sinai that emanated from heaven. If you took the kingship for yourself, you did not need to give your brothers the priesthood …” ↩︎
- HaYom p.65 and Bamidbar 26:11 See Rashi there. See also Rashi in Bamidbar 16:1 (second commentary) ↩︎
- For example Tehilim 44 ↩︎
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