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Numbers 17:27 - Fear after Korach's rebellion?

Numbers 17:27 - במדבר 17:27

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמְרוּ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵאמֹר הֵן גָּוַעְנוּ אָבַדְנוּ כֻּלָּנוּ אָבָדְנוּ׃

English Translation

And the children of Yisra᾽el spoke to Moshe, saying, Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish.

Transliteration

Va'yomru b'nei Yisra'el el-Moshe leimor hen gav'anu avadnu kulanu avadnu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֖ה לֵאמֹ֑ר הֵ֥ן גָּוַ֛עְנוּ אָבַ֖דְנוּ כֻּלָּ֥נוּ אָבָֽדְנוּ׃
וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֖ה לֵאמֹ֑ר הֵ֥ן גָּוַ֛עְנוּ אָבַ֖דְנוּ כֻּלָּ֥נוּ אָבָֽדְנוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 17:12, following the rebellion of Korach and the subsequent plague that struck the Israelites. After witnessing the earth swallow Korach and his followers, as well as the deaths of 250 men who offered unauthorized incense, the people express despair, fearing further divine punishment.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 17:12) explains that the Israelites' cry, "Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish," reflects their fear of being consumed by divine wrath. They believed that any who approached the Mishkan (Tabernacle) would meet the same fate as Korach's assembly. Rashi emphasizes their exaggerated despair, noting that they repeated "we perish" three times, indicating their extreme distress.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 18:10) elaborates that the Israelites feared they were doomed due to their participation in Korach's rebellion, either directly or through silent consent. Their triple repetition of "we perish" signifies:

  • Fear of immediate death from the plague.
  • Fear of losing their portion in the World to Come.
  • Fear that their children would also be punished.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides) in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 3:36) discusses how the Israelites' reaction demonstrates human nature when confronted with overwhelming divine justice. Their despair stemmed from a lack of understanding of Hashem's precise judgment, leading them to assume their fate was sealed.

Chassidic Insight

The Kedushas Levi (Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev) interprets the verse as a moment of spiritual awakening. Despite their fear, the Israelites turned to Moshe, showing a recognition of his role as their intercessor. This reflects the principle that sincere repentance (teshuvah) begins with acknowledging one's mistakes and seeking guidance from righteous leaders.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why were the children of Israel saying 'we die, we perish' in Numbers 17:27?
A: This verse comes after the rebellion of Korach and the subsequent plague that killed many Israelites. The people were terrified of approaching the Mishkan (Tabernacle) after witnessing the punishment for rebellion, fearing they might die if they came too close to holy things (Rashi on Numbers 17:27).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 17:27?
A: The verse teaches us about the seriousness of approaching holiness improperly. The Israelites' fear shows we must have proper reverence for holy matters, but also not despair - as we see Moshe later comforts them and explains how to properly approach the Mishkan (Midrash Tanchuma, Korach 12).
Q: How does Numbers 17:27 relate to Jewish practice today?
A: Just as the Israelites learned to approach the Mishkan with proper reverence, today we learn to approach synagogues and holy objects with respect. The Rambam (Hilchot Tefillah 11) derives from this the importance of proper decorum in places of worship.
Q: What was Moshe's response to the Israelites' fear in this verse?
A: While not in this exact verse, Moshe's response follows immediately after (Numbers 17:28-18:1). He reassures them that the Kohanim and Leviim will serve as intermediaries to prevent the people from coming too close to holy matters improperly (Rashi on Numbers 18:1).
Q: Why does the verse repeat 'we perish' three times?
A: The triple repetition emphasizes their extreme fear and despair. Some commentators explain it reflects their concern about three types of death: physical death, spiritual loss, and the end of their lineage (Ba'al HaTurim on Numbers 17:27).