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Numbers 16:27 - Rebels defy Moshe's warning?

Numbers 16:27 - במדבר 16:27

Hebrew Text

וַיֵּעָלוּ מֵעַל מִשְׁכַּן־קֹרֶח דָּתָן וַאֲבִירָם מִסָּבִיב וְדָתָן וַאֲבִירָם יָצְאוּ נִצָּבִים פֶּתַח אָהֳלֵיהֶם וּנְשֵׁיהֶם וּבְנֵיהֶם וְטַפָּם׃

English Translation

So they went up from the dwelling of Qoraĥ, Datan, and Aviram, on every side: and Datan and Aviram came out, and stood in the door of their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and their little children.

Transliteration

Vaye'alu me'al mishkan-korach datan va'aviran missaviv vedatan va'aviran yatz'u nitzavim petach ohalehem unesheihem uvneihem vetapam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֵּעָל֗וּ מֵעַ֧ל מִשְׁכַּן־קֹ֛רַח דָּתָ֥ן וַאֲבִירָ֖ם מִסָּבִ֑יב וְדָתָ֨ן וַאֲבִירָ֜ם יָצְא֣וּ נִצָּבִ֗ים פֶּ֚תַח אׇֽהֳלֵיהֶ֔ם וּנְשֵׁיהֶ֥ם וּבְנֵיהֶ֖ם וְטַפָּֽם׃
וַיֵּעָל֗וּ מֵעַ֧ל מִשְׁכַּן־קֹ֛רַח דָּתָ֥ן וַאֲבִירָ֖ם מִסָּבִ֑יב וְדָתָ֨ן וַאֲבִירָ֜ם יָצְא֣וּ נִצָּבִ֗ים פֶּ֚תַח אׇֽהֳלֵיהֶ֔ם וּנְשֵׁיהֶ֥ם וּבְנֵיהֶ֖ם וְטַפָּֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bamidbar 16:27) describes the moment when Datan and Aviram, along with their families, defiantly stood at the entrance of their tents despite Moshe's warning about the impending divine punishment for their rebellion against Moshe and Aharon. The rebellion, led by Korach, challenged Moshe's leadership and Aharon's priesthood.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "וַיֵּעָלוּ מֵעַל מִשְׁכַּן־קֹרַח" ("they went up from the dwelling of Korach") indicates that the people distanced themselves from the tents of Korach, Datan, and Aviram to avoid being caught in their punishment. However, Datan and Aviram remained obstinate and did not heed Moshe's warning, standing at their tent doors with their entire families.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 18:10) highlights the severity of their defiance. It notes that Datan and Aviram's wives and children were complicit in their rebellion, as they stood with them in open defiance. This teaches that their entire households shared in their sinful attitude, leading to their collective punishment.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchos De'os 6:1) emphasizes the danger of associating with rebellious individuals, as seen in this episode. The bystanders who distanced themselves from Korach's camp acted wisely, while Datan and Aviram's refusal to repent sealed their fate.

Lessons from the Verse

  • Accountability: The verse underscores that entire families can be influenced by the sinful behavior of their leaders, as seen with Datan and Aviram's households.
  • Defiance vs. Repentance: Unlike others who heeded Moshe's warning, Datan and Aviram's refusal to repent demonstrated their hardened hearts.
  • Divine Justice: Their public stance at their tent doors symbolized their open rebellion, making their punishment a clear manifestation of divine justice.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 110a
The verse is discussed in the context of the rebellion of Korach, Datan, and Aviram, highlighting their defiance and the consequences they faced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of Datan and Aviram standing at the entrance of their tents in Numbers 16:27?
A: According to Rashi, Datan and Aviram defiantly stood at the entrance of their tents to show their rebellion against Moshe (Moses) and Aharon (Aaron). This public stance demonstrated their refusal to accept Moshe's leadership and the Divine judgment against them. Their families standing with them symbolized their complete rejection of repentance.
Q: Why does the verse mention the wives and children of Datan and Aviram?
A: The Torah mentions their families to teach that they were fully complicit in the rebellion. The Midrash (Tanchuma Korach 7) explains that their wives and children also spoke against Moshe and supported Korach's mutiny. This highlights the danger of negative influence within a household and the importance of instilling proper values in one's family.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Datan and Aviram's actions in this verse?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 6:1) teaches that we must distance ourselves from disputes and not be like Korach and his followers. Datan and Aviram's stubbornness and public defiance serve as a warning against arrogance and rebellion against Torah leadership. Their actions led to tragic consequences, teaching us the importance of humility and accepting proper authority.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story of Korach's rebellion?
A: This verse shows the climax of Korach's rebellion, where Datan and Aviram (allies of Korach) openly defy Moshe's warning. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 110a) explains that their refusal to repent even at the last moment sealed their fate. The earth swallowing them (in the next verses) demonstrated the severity of causing division and challenging Torah authority.
Q: Why does the Torah specify that they went up from 'the dwelling of Korach'?
A: Rashi explains that this phrasing hints that Korach's dwelling was completely swallowed by the earth along with his followers. The verse emphasizes that the rebellion originated from Korach's circle, showing how one person's bad influence can lead many astray. This teaches the responsibility leaders have to promote unity, not division.