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Numbers 16:12 - Rebels reject Moshe's summons

Numbers 16:12 - במדבר 16:12

Hebrew Text

וַיִּשְׁלַח מֹשֶׁה לִקְרֹא לְדָתָן וְלַאֲבִירָם בְּנֵי אֱלִיאָב וַיֹּאמְרוּ לֹא נַעֲלֶה׃

English Translation

And Moshe sent to call Datan and Aviram, the sons of Eli᾽av; but they said, We will not come up:

Transliteration

Va'yish'lach Moshe lik'ro l'Datan v'la'Aviram b'nei Eli'av va'yom'ru lo na'aleh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח מֹשֶׁ֔ה לִקְרֹ֛א לְדָתָ֥ן וְלַאֲבִירָ֖ם בְּנֵ֣י אֱלִיאָ֑ב וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ לֹ֥א נַעֲלֶֽה׃
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח מֹשֶׁ֔ה לִקְרֹ֛א לְדָתָ֥ן וְלַאֲבִירָ֖ם בְּנֵ֣י אֱלִיאָ֑ב וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ לֹ֥א נַעֲלֶֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bamidbar 16:12) occurs during the rebellion of Korach, Datan, and Aviram against Moshe and Aharon. Moshe attempts to reconcile with Datan and Aviram by summoning them, but they defiantly refuse, saying, "We will not come up."

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 16:12) notes that Moshe sought to engage in dialogue with Datan and Aviram to avoid further strife. Their refusal to "come up" demonstrates their complete rejection of Moshe's authority. Rashi also highlights that their response was disrespectful, as they did not even address Moshe by name or title, showing their brazen defiance.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Tanchuma Korach 5) elaborates that Datan and Aviram had a long history of rebellion, dating back to Egypt. They were the ones who informed Pharaoh about Moshe killing the Egyptian (Shemot 2:14), and they consistently opposed Moshe's leadership. Their refusal here was not merely about this incident but reflected their entrenched resistance to divine authority.

Rambam on Conflict Resolution

Rambam (Hilchos De'os 6:6) teaches that one should always seek peaceful resolution, as Moshe did here. Even when faced with hostility, the Torah ideal is to attempt dialogue. Datan and Aviram's refusal underscores the tragedy of entrenched conflict, where reconciliation becomes impossible due to stubbornness.

Symbolism of "We Will Not Come Up"

  • Spiritual Stagnation: Their refusal to "come up" symbolizes their unwillingness to elevate themselves spiritually or accept higher authority (Sforno, Bamidbar 16:12).
  • Rejection of Eretz Yisrael: Some commentators suggest their words hinted at their broader rejection of entering the Land of Israel, as they preferred the familiar (albeit flawed) life in the wilderness (Kli Yakar, Bamidbar 16:12).

Lessons in Leadership and Humility

The Or HaChaim (Bamidbar 16:12) contrasts Moshe's humility—reaching out despite their insolence—with Datan and Aviram's arrogance. True leadership, as modeled by Moshe, involves pursuing peace even when faced with hostility.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 110a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the rebellion of Korach, Datan, and Aviram, illustrating their defiance against Moshe's authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were Datan and Aviram, and why did they refuse to come when Moshe called them?
A: Datan and Aviram were rebellious figures who challenged Moshe's leadership along with Korach (Numbers 16:1-3). According to Rashi, their refusal to come when summoned (Numbers 16:12) demonstrated their complete rejection of Moshe's authority. The Midrash (Tanchuma Korach 5) explains that they had a long history of defiance, dating back to their involvement in earlier sins in Egypt.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Datan and Aviram were 'the sons of Eli᾽av' in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that mentioning their father Eli᾽av emphasizes their lineage from the tribe of Reuven (Numbers 26:8-9). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 110a) notes that their tribal connection is significant because Reuven was Jacob's firstborn, and some commentaries suggest this may have contributed to their sense of entitlement in challenging Moshe's leadership.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Datan and Aviram's response 'We will not come up'?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 6:3) teaches that their outright refusal to engage with Moshe demonstrates the danger of entrenched rebellion and refusal to hear rebuke. Jewish tradition views their response as a warning against stubbornness and disrespect for proper Torah authority. The Mishnah (Avos 4:1) contrasts this by teaching that true wisdom comes from being willing to learn from others.
Q: How does this verse connect to the larger story of Korach's rebellion?
A: This verse (Numbers 16:12) shows the escalation of the conflict. While Korach initially approached Moshe with deceptive arguments (Rashi on 16:1), Datan and Aviram openly defied him. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 110a) explains that their behavior was particularly severe because they rejected Moshe's authority entirely, not just questioning specific decisions like Korach did.
Q: Why does the Torah use the phrase 'come up' (נַעֲלֶה) when Moshe summoned them?
A: Rashi explains that 'come up' implies Moshe was on higher spiritual ground, calling them to elevate themselves. The Kli Yakar adds that their refusal to 'come up' symbolized their unwillingness to grow spiritually. This language appears elsewhere when calling people to spiritual improvement (e.g., Exodus 24:1 when Moshe is called up to Sinai).