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Numbers 16:5 - Divine choice revealed tomorrow?

Numbers 16:5 - במדבר 16:5

Hebrew Text

וַיְדַבֵּר אֶל־קֹרַח וְאֶל־כָּל־עֲדָתוֹ לֵאמֹר בֹּקֶר וְיֹדַע יְהוָה אֶת־אֲשֶׁר־לוֹ וְאֶת־הַקָּדוֹשׁ וְהִקְרִיב אֵלָיו וְאֵת אֲשֶׁר יִבְחַר־בּוֹ יַקְרִיב אֵלָיו׃

English Translation

and he spoke to Qoraĥ and to all his company, saying, Tomorrow morning the Lord will show who is his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near to him: even him whom he has chosen will he cause to come near to him.

Transliteration

Va'y'daber el-Korach v'el-kol-adato leimor boker v'yoda Adonai et-asher-lo v'et-hakadosh v'hikriv eilav v'et asher yivchar-bo yakriv eilav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְדַבֵּ֨ר אֶל־קֹ֜רַח וְאֶֽל־כׇּל־עֲדָתוֹ֮ לֵאמֹר֒ בֹּ֠קֶר וְיֹדַ֨ע יְהֹוָ֧ה אֶת־אֲשֶׁר־ל֛וֹ וְאֶת־הַקָּד֖וֹשׁ וְהִקְרִ֣יב אֵלָ֑יו וְאֵ֛ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִבְחַר־בּ֖וֹ יַקְרִ֥יב אֵלָֽיו׃
וַיְדַבֵּ֨ר אֶל־קֹ֜רַח וְאֶֽל־כׇּל־עֲדָתוֹ֮ לֵאמֹר֒ בֹּ֠קֶר וְיֹדַ֨ע יְהֹוָ֧ה אֶת־אֲשֶׁר־ל֛וֹ וְאֶת־הַקָּד֖וֹשׁ וְהִקְרִ֣יב אֵלָ֑יו וְאֵ֛ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִבְחַר־בּ֖וֹ יַקְרִ֥יב אֵלָֽיו׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Context of Korach's Rebellion

This verse (Bamidbar 16:5) is part of Moshe's response to Korach's rebellion against the leadership of Moshe and Aharon. Korach, a Levite, challenged their authority, claiming that "the entire congregation is holy" (Bamidbar 16:3). Moshe responds by proposing a divine test to determine whom Hashem has truly chosen for leadership and holiness.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that Moshe's words, "בֹּקֶר וְיֹדַע יְהוָה" ("Tomorrow morning Hashem will show"), indicate that the matter would be clarified in the morning, as judgment is typically carried out during the day (Sanhedrin 35b). The phrase "אֶת־אֲשֶׁר־לוֹ" ("who is His") refers to Aharon, whom Hashem had already chosen for the priesthood (Rashi on Bamidbar 16:5).

Rambam on Divine Selection

Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 4:12) emphasizes that the priesthood is not a matter of human appointment but divine selection. Moshe's declaration underscores that only Hashem determines who is truly holy and fit for service in the Mishkan.

The Midrashic Perspective

Midrash Tanchuma (Korach 5) elaborates that Moshe gave Korach and his followers time to reconsider overnight, demonstrating his mercy and hope that they might repent. The phrase "וְהִקְרִיב אֵלָיו" ("and will cause him to come near") hints at the tragic outcome—those who were not chosen would be consumed by fire (Bamidbar 16:35).

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Divine Authority: Leadership and holiness are determined by Hashem, not human ambition (Sforno on Bamidbar 16:5).
  • Patience in Judgment: Moshe delays judgment until morning, teaching the importance of deliberation (Talmud, Sanhedrin 7a).
  • Consequences of Dispute: The rebellion serves as a warning against machlokes (dispute) and challenging divinely appointed roles (Pirkei Avos 5:17).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 110a
The verse is discussed in the context of Korach's rebellion, illustrating the divine selection of Aaron and the priesthood.
📖 Yoma 53b
Referenced in a discussion about the selection and sanctity of the High Priest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 16:5 mean?
A: Numbers 16:5 is part of the story of Korach's rebellion against Moshe (Moses) and Aharon (Aaron). In this verse, Moshe tells Korach and his followers that the next morning, Hashem (God) will reveal who truly belongs to Him and who is holy. This was a test to show that Aharon was chosen by Hashem to serve as the Kohen Gadol (High Priest), not Korach.
Q: Why is this verse important?
A: This verse is important because it teaches about the dangers of rebellion against divinely appointed leadership. Korach challenged Moshe and Aharon's authority, but Hashem confirmed their roles through a miraculous test (later in the parsha). The lesson is that leadership in Judaism is determined by Hashem, not personal ambition.
Q: What can we learn from Numbers 16:5?
A: We learn that true holiness and leadership come from Hashem's choice, not human arguments or power struggles. Rashi explains that Moshe gave Korach and his followers time (until morning) to reconsider their rebellion, showing that we should always seek peaceful resolutions and avoid machloket (disputes) that are not for the sake of Heaven.
Q: How does this apply today?
A: Today, this teaches us to respect Torah leadership and avoid unnecessary conflicts. The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 6:3) writes that disputes like Korach's are destructive. Instead, we should pursue unity and trust in Hashem's wisdom in appointing righteous leaders to guide the Jewish people.
Q: What was the 'test' Moshe proposed in this verse?
A: Moshe proposed that Korach and his followers bring incense offerings the next morning (as described in later verses). Hashem would show whom He accepts—proving Aharon's legitimacy as Kohen Gadol. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 18:8) explains that incense represents closeness to Hashem, and only the truly chosen could offer it without harm.