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Numbers 14:27 - Divine patience tested by complaints.

Numbers 14:27 - במדבר 14:27

Hebrew Text

עַד־מָתַי לָעֵדָה הָרָעָה הַזֹּאת אֲשֶׁר הֵמָּה מַלִּינִים עָלָי אֶת־תְּלֻנּוֹת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֲשֶׁר הֵמָּה מַלִּינִים עָלַי שָׁמָעְתִּי׃

English Translation

How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, who murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Yisra᾽el, which they murmur against me.

Transliteration

Ad-matai la'eda hara'a hazot asher hema malinim alai et-telunot bnei Yisrael asher hema malinim alai shamati.

Hebrew Leining Text

עַד־מָתַ֗י לָעֵדָ֤ה הָֽרָעָה֙ הַזֹּ֔את אֲשֶׁ֛ר הֵ֥מָּה מַלִּינִ֖ים עָלָ֑י אֶת־תְּלֻנּ֞וֹת בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל אֲשֶׁ֨ר הֵ֧מָּה מַלִּינִ֛ים עָלַ֖י שָׁמָֽעְתִּי׃
עַד־מָתַ֗י לָעֵדָ֤ה הָֽרָעָה֙ הַזֹּ֔את אֲשֶׁ֛ר הֵ֥מָּה מַלִּינִ֖ים עָלָ֑י אֶת־תְּלֻנּ֞וֹת בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל אֲשֶׁ֨ר הֵ֧מָּה מַלִּינִ֛ים עָלַ֖י שָׁמָֽעְתִּי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bamidbar 14:27) appears in the aftermath of the sin of the spies, where ten of the twelve scouts sent to survey Eretz Yisrael delivered a negative report, causing the nation to despair and rebel against Hashem and Moshe. This verse records Hashem's response to their complaints and lack of faith.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "עַד־מָתַי" (How long) expresses Hashem's patience being exhausted due to the persistent complaints of Bnei Yisrael. The term "הָעֵדָה הָרָעָה" (this evil congregation) refers specifically to the ten spies who delivered the slanderous report about the land, as well as those who accepted their words and rebelled (Rashi on Bamidbar 14:27).

Rambam on Complaining

Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:3) teaches that murmuring against Hashem reflects a deficiency in emunah (faith) and bitachon (trust). The complaints of Bnei Yisrael demonstrated a lack of gratitude for the miracles they had already witnessed, such as the Exodus and the manna.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Shelach 10) compares the complaints of Bnei Yisrael to a child who, after being rescued from danger, continues to distrust their parent. The Midrash emphasizes that their lack of faith was particularly grievous after experiencing Hashem's constant protection.
  • Sforno notes that the repetition of "מַלִּינִים עָלַי" (murmur against me) highlights that their complaints were not merely about Moshe or their circumstances, but a direct challenge to Hashem's authority and promises.

Chassidic Perspective

The Kedushat Levi (Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev) explains that the term "תְּלֻנּוֹת" (murmurings) implies a deep-seated spiritual flaw—ingratitude and an inability to recognize divine providence. True faith requires accepting both the visible and hidden blessings from Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the sin of the spies and the consequences of their evil report about the Land of Israel.
📖 Sotah 35a
The verse is cited in relation to the punishment of the spies and the generation of the wilderness for their lack of faith and murmuring against God.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 14:27 mean?
A: In Numbers 14:27, Hashem expresses frustration with the Israelites for their constant complaints and lack of faith after hearing the negative report of the spies. The verse emphasizes how their murmuring against Hashem was a serious offense, showing ingratitude and distrust despite witnessing His miracles.
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse is important because it teaches the consequences of speaking negatively (lashon hara) and lacking faith in Hashem. The Talmud (Sotah 35a) and Midrash (Tanchuma Shelach 10) explain that the Israelites' complaints led to severe punishment, including wandering in the desert for 40 years. It serves as a warning against ungratefulness and distrust in Divine providence.
Q: What can we learn from Numbers 14:27 today?
A: We learn the importance of maintaining faith in Hashem even in difficult times and avoiding negative speech (lashon hara). The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 7:4) teaches that gratitude and trust in Hashem are essential traits. This verse reminds us to focus on Hashem's kindness rather than complaining.
Q: Who was the 'evil congregation' mentioned in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that the 'evil congregation' refers to the ten spies who gave a negative report about the Land of Israel (Numbers 13:31-33) and the Israelites who believed them instead of trusting in Hashem’s promise. Their lack of faith and rebellious attitude caused this severe rebuke.
Q: How does this verse apply to our daily lives?
A: This verse teaches us to avoid negativity and cultivate faith in Hashem’s plan. The Chofetz Chaim (in his works on proper speech) emphasizes that complaining and spreading doubt can lead to spiritual harm. Instead, we should practice gratitude and trust in Hashem’s guidance, just as we learn from the mistakes of the Israelites in the desert.