בס”ד
A THOUGHT ABOUT PARSHAT PINCHAS 5785
The Redemption of Korach’s Sons
In Parshat Pinchas, a seemingly brief statement offers a window into one of the most dramatic and redemptive moments in the Torah:
| 11 Notwithstanding the sons of Korah died not | יא וּבְנֵי-קֹרַח, לֹא-מֵתוּ. |
This verse stands in stark contrast to the earlier narrative in Parshat Korach (Numbers 16), where Korach and his followers are swallowed alive by the earth as divine punishment for their rebellion against Moses and Aaron. How is it that Korach’s sons survived?
Rashi: The Power of Inner Teshuva
Rashi, quoting the Talmud, Sanhedrin 110a, explains that although Korach’s sons were initially involved in the rebellion, they experienced sincere thoughts of repentance. As a result, G-d created for them a “fortified high place” within Gehenna itself, sparing them from death. Their spiritual turnaround allowed them to survive even amid destruction.
“They were in the plot originally, but at the moment when the rebellion broke out they had thoughts of repentance in their hearts; therefore a high spot was fenced round for them in Gehinnom and they stayed there” — Rashi on Numbers 26:11
Ibn Ezra: Evidence in Later Generations
Ibn Ezra points to concrete proof of their survival: generations later, descendants of Korach’s sons are identified as Levitical singers in the Temple. The Book of Psalms itself opens multiple chapters with the phrase, “A Psalm of the sons of Korach” (e.g., Psalms 49:1). Thus, their legacy not only survives but becomes a source of spiritual music and praise.
“Samuel, his sons, and his grandsons who were singers and were called the Korahites is proof of this… The wickedness of Dathan and Abiram was thus greater than the wickedness of Korach.” — Ibn Ezra on Numbers 26:11
Or HaChaim: Why Mention It Here?
Or HaChaim raises a textual question: why does the Torah wait until Parshat Pinchas to reveal that Korach’s sons did not die? He suggests that the Torah strategically reveals this now to underscore a critical distinction: unlike Dathan and Abiram, who perished with their entire households, Korach’s sons repented. This reinforces the idea that Dathan and Abiram were the principal instigators of the rebellion, not Korach himself.
“This was the place to inform us about some other redeeming quality of Korach, namely that his sons were righteous and did not join their father in his rebellion or that they retracted in time.” — Or HaChaim on Numbers 26:11
Midrash Bamidbar Rabbah: The Wisdom of a Wife
The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 18:20) provides a poignant narrative about On ben Pelet, another would-be rebel. His wife persuaded him to withdraw from the uprising, ultimately saving his life. Using both wisdom and modesty, she protected him from destruction.
“The wise among women builds her house” (Proverbs 14:1) — this is On’s wife. “And the foolish will destroy it with her hands” — this is Korach’s wife.
Her wisdom, contrasted with Korach’s wife who egged him on, illustrates the transformative impact of righteousness within the home.
Lubavitcher Rebbe: Spiritual Ascent from Spiritual Depths
The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, offers a profound psychological insight into the power of repentance. He explains that even in moments when we feel completely buried in despair or negativity, sincere repentance can transform that experience into one of spiritual elevation and inner refuge—as if we are being lifted to a higher, safer place.
(This is a paraphrased summary of the Rebbe’s teaching in Daily Wisdom Volume 3. P. 331.)
Takeaways for Today
- No one is beyond redemption. Even those enmeshed in rebellion can return.
- Timing matters. Korach’s sons didn’t wait until it was too late; they acted from within the moment of crisis.
- Teshuva transforms. Not just a way out, repentance redefines our reality — even turning Gehinnom into a sanctuary.
- Influence is real. The contrasting examples of On’s wife and Korach’s wife remind us of the moral power within our relationships and homes.
May we learn from the courage of Korach’s sons, to choose truth and teshuva, even when surrounded by pressure, confusion, or despair. And may we find in our lowest places the potential for great ascent, protected by the compassion of the One Who Sees All.
By Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks to Rabbi Tuvia Serber for the feedback
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