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Numbers 16:26 - Separate from sinful influences

Numbers 16:26 - במדבר 16:26

Hebrew Text

וַיְדַבֵּר אֶל־הָעֵדָה לֵאמֹר סוּרוּ נָא מֵעַל אָהֳלֵי הָאֲנָשִׁים הָרְשָׁעִים הָאֵלֶּה וְאַל־תִּגְּעוּ בְּכָל־אֲשֶׁר לָהֶם פֶּן־תִּסָּפוּ בְּכָל־חַטֹּאתָם׃

English Translation

And he spoke to the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest you be consumed in all their sins.

Transliteration

Vay'daber el-ha'edah lemor suru na me'al ohalei ha'anashim har'sha'im ha'eleh ve'al-tige'u be'chol-asher lahem pen-tisafu be'chol-chatotam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְדַבֵּ֨ר אֶל־הָעֵדָ֜ה לֵאמֹ֗ר ס֣וּרוּ נָ֡א מֵעַל֩ אׇהֳלֵ֨י הָאֲנָשִׁ֤ים הָֽרְשָׁעִים֙ הָאֵ֔לֶּה וְאַֽל־תִּגְּע֖וּ בְּכׇל־אֲשֶׁ֣ר לָהֶ֑ם פֶּן־תִּסָּפ֖וּ בְּכׇל־חַטֹּאתָֽם׃
וַיְדַבֵּ֨ר אֶל־הָעֵדָ֜ה לֵאמֹ֗ר ס֣וּרוּ נָ֡א מֵעַל֩ אׇהֳלֵ֨י הָאֲנָשִׁ֤ים הָֽרְשָׁעִים֙ הָאֵ֔לֶּה וְאַֽל־תִּגְּע֖וּ בְּכׇל־אֲשֶׁ֣ר לָהֶ֑ם פֶּן־תִּסָּפ֖וּ בְּכׇל־חַטֹּאתָֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Numbers 16:26) is part of the narrative of Korach's rebellion against Moshe and Aharon. Korach, along with Datan, Aviram, and 250 leaders of the congregation, challenged Moshe's authority, leading to a dramatic confrontation. Here, Moshe warns the people to separate themselves from the rebels to avoid being caught in their punishment.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that Moshe's instruction to "depart from the tents of these wicked men" was a prophetic warning. The term "סוּרוּ נָא" ("Depart, I pray you") emphasizes urgency, as the earth was about to open and swallow the rebels (Korach, Datan, and Aviram). Rashi notes that Moshe's plea was to prevent the innocent from suffering alongside the guilty, demonstrating the principle of הפרדה מן הרשעים (separation from the wicked).

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:1) derives from this verse the importance of distancing oneself from sinful influences. He teaches that associating with wrongdoers can lead one to adopt their ways, as implied by the warning "פֶּן־תִּסָּפוּ בְּכָל־חַטֹּאתָם" ("lest you be consumed in all their sins"). This aligns with the broader Torah principle of avoiding negative influences (e.g., "Do not follow a multitude to do evil," Exodus 23:2).

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 18:10) highlights Moshe's compassion in giving the people a chance to separate, showing that even in judgment, Hashem provides opportunities for repentance and escape.
  • Another Midrash (Tanchuma Korach 12) compares the rebels' tents to a contagious plague, teaching that sin can "spread" if not contained.

Halachic Implications

The Gemara (Sanhedrin 109b) discusses this verse in the context of communal responsibility, noting that those who fail to dissociate from evildoers may share in their punishment. This idea is codified in halacha, emphasizing the need to rebuke wrongdoing and distance oneself from sinful environments (Shulchan Aruch, Choshen Mishpat 425:1).

Spiritual Lesson

The verse teaches that proximity to sin—even passively—can have dire consequences. The phrase "אַל־תִּגְּעוּ בְּכָל־אֲשֶׁר לָהֶם" ("touch nothing of theirs") suggests that material or ideological attachment to wickedness can corrupt. This aligns with the mussar tradition's emphasis on guarding one's environment (as in Mishlei 13:20, "Walk with the wise and become wise").

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 110a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the rebellion of Korach and his followers, emphasizing the importance of separating from wicked individuals to avoid sharing in their punishment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 16:26 mean?
A: Numbers 16:26 is part of the story of Korach's rebellion against Moshe (Moses) and Aharon (Aaron). Here, Moshe warns the Jewish people to separate themselves from Korach and his followers, who were challenging Moshe's leadership. The verse teaches the importance of distancing oneself from conflict and wrongdoing to avoid being affected by their sins.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it teaches a fundamental Jewish principle: the need to separate from evil influences (known as 'havdala'). Rashi explains that associating with wrongdoers can lead to sharing in their punishment. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 109a) also discusses this event as a warning against joining disputes and rebellions against proper Torah leadership.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 16:26 today?
A: The lesson is that we must be careful about the company we keep and the influences we allow in our lives. The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 6:1) teaches that it is natural to be influenced by one's surroundings, so we should associate with righteous people and distance ourselves from negative influences. This applies to friendships, business partnerships, and community involvement.
Q: How does this verse apply to dealing with conflicts in the Jewish community?
A: The verse shows that when there is a conflict threatening the unity of the Jewish people, one should not remain neutral but actively separate from those causing division. The Midrash (Tanchuma Korach 5) emphasizes that those who initially stood with Korach but later heeded Moshe's warning were spared, teaching us the importance of disassociating from harmful disputes.
Q: What does 'lest you be consumed in all their sins' mean?
A: This phrase means that by associating with wrongdoers, a person risks being spiritually affected by their actions and may share in their consequences. Rashi explains that even if one doesn't participate directly in the sin, being closely connected to sinners can lead to being included in their punishment. This teaches the concept of collective responsibility in Jewish thought.