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Numbers 16:16 - Challenge Aharon's priesthood tomorrow?

Numbers 16:16 - במדבר 16:16

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה אֶל־קֹרַח אַתָּה וְכָל־עֲדָתְךָ הֱיוּ לִפְנֵי יְהוָה אַתָּה וָהֵם וְאַהֲרֹן מָחָר׃

English Translation

And Moshe said to Qoraĥ, Be thou and all thy company before the Lord, thou, and they, and Aharon, tomorrow:

Transliteration

Va'yomer Moshe el-Korach atah ve'khol-adatecha heyu lifnei Adonai atah va'hem ve'Aharon machar.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶל־קֹ֔רַח אַתָּה֙ וְכׇל־עֲדָ֣תְךָ֔ הֱי֖וּ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֑ה אַתָּ֥ה וָהֵ֛ם וְאַהֲרֹ֖ן מָחָֽר׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶל־קֹ֔רַח אַתָּה֙ וְכׇל־עֲדָ֣תְךָ֔ הֱי֖וּ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֑ה אַתָּ֥ה וָהֵ֛ם וְאַהֲרֹ֖ן מָחָֽר׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bamidbar 16:16) occurs during the rebellion of Korach and his followers against Moshe and Aharon. Korach, a Levite, challenged Aharon's exclusive right to the Kehunah (priesthood), leading to a confrontation that tested the divine appointment of leadership.

Moshe's Response to Korach

Rashi explains that Moshe's instruction for Korach and his company to appear before Hashem the next day was a deliberate delay. This allowed time for reflection, hoping they might reconsider their rebellion. The Midrash Tanchuma (Korach 5) adds that Moshe sought to give them an opportunity to do teshuvah (repentance) overnight.

The Significance of "Before the Lord"

The phrase "לִפְנֵי יְהוָה" (before the Lord) is interpreted by the Ramban as referring to the Mishkan (Tabernacle), the designated place where divine judgment would be manifest. The Sforno emphasizes that this confrontation would occur in a sacred space to demonstrate that the matter was being judged by divine, not human, authority.

Inclusion of Aharon

The mention of Aharon in this verse is significant. The Kli Yakar notes that Moshe intentionally included Aharon to show that the challenge was not against Moshe's leadership alone but specifically against Aharon's priestly role. This highlights that the rebellion attacked the divinely ordained structure of Kehunah.

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Divine Appointment: The confrontation would prove that leadership roles, especially the Kehunah, are determined by Hashem's will (Rambam, Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 4:12).
  • Opportunity for Teshuvah: Moshe's delay teaches the importance of allowing time for reflection and repentance before judgment (Talmud, Sanhedrin 109b).
  • Sacred Space for Judgment: Matters of spiritual authority must be resolved in a manner that acknowledges divine oversight (Sforno).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 110a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the rebellion of Korach and his followers, illustrating the confrontation between Moses and Korach as an example of divisive behavior that leads to punishment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the context of Numbers 16:16?
A: Numbers 16:16 is part of the story of Korach's rebellion against Moshe and Aharon. Korach and his followers challenged their leadership, claiming they were equally holy. Moshe responds by arranging a test the next day to show whom Hashem truly chose for leadership.
Q: Why did Moshe tell Korach and his followers to appear before Hashem the next day?
A: Moshe wanted to settle the dispute through a divine test. He instructed Korach and his followers to bring fire pans with incense the next day, and Hashem would show whom He had chosen (Numbers 16:5-7). This was to demonstrate that leadership is determined by Hashem, not human ambition.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe's response to Korach?
A: Moshe teaches us to handle disputes with wisdom and patience. Instead of reacting angrily, he sought a peaceful resolution by turning to Hashem for clarity. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 110a) warns against divisive arguments like Korach's, emphasizing the importance of unity and humility.
Q: Why was Aharon specifically mentioned in this verse?
A: Aharon was mentioned because Korach's rebellion was also directed against his role as Kohen Gadol (High Priest). Moshe included Aharon to show that his position was divinely appointed (Rashi on Numbers 16:11). The test would prove that Aharon, not Korach, was chosen by Hashem for the priesthood.
Q: How does Korach's rebellion apply to us today?
A: Korach's story warns against jealousy and seeking honor for selfish reasons. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 18:1) teaches that disputes not for Heaven's sake (like Korach's) lead to destruction. Instead, we should pursue unity and respect divinely appointed roles in Jewish leadership.