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Numbers 11:3 - Divine fire consumes complainers.

Numbers 11:3 - במדבר 11:3

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקְרָא שֵׁם־הַמָּקוֹם הַהוּא תַּבְעֵרָה כִּי־בָעֲרָה בָם אֵשׁ יְהוָה׃

English Translation

And he called the name of the place Tav῾era: because the fire of the Lord burned among them.

Transliteration

Vayikra shem-hamakom hahu Tav'era ki-va'ara vam eish Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקְרָ֛א שֵֽׁם־הַמָּק֥וֹם הַה֖וּא תַּבְעֵרָ֑ה כִּֽי־בָעֲרָ֥ה בָ֖ם אֵ֥שׁ יְהֹוָֽה׃
וַיִּקְרָ֛א שֵֽׁם־הַמָּק֥וֹם הַה֖וּא תַּבְעֵרָ֑ה כִּֽי־בָעֲרָ֥ה בָ֖ם אֵ֥שׁ יְהֹוָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Numbers 11:3) describes an incident in the wilderness where a group among Bnei Yisrael complained, leading to divine retribution in the form of a fire from Hashem. The place was named "Tav'era" (תבערה), meaning "burning," as a memorial to this event.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that this fire was a punishment for those who complained "in the ears of Hashem" (Numbers 11:1). He notes that the complainers were the "asafsuf" (mixed multitude) who joined Bnei Yisrael during the Exodus. Their grievances were not about physical needs but stemmed from spiritual discontent, provoking divine wrath.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides) in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed) discusses divine justice in such instances. He explains that supernatural punishments like this fire were meant to reinforce the authority of Moshe and the severity of rebellion against Hashem's commandments, ensuring discipline among Bnei Yisrael.

Midrashic Insights

  • Bamidbar Rabbah (15:19) states that the fire consumed only the outermost sinners, sparing those who repented, teaching that Hashem's judgment is precise and leaves room for teshuvah.
  • The Midrash also compares this fire to the fire at Har Sinai, suggesting that just as fire accompanied divine revelation, it also accompanies divine justice.

Meaning of the Name "Tav'era"

The naming of the place serves as a perpetual reminder of the consequences of unwarranted complaints and lack of faith. The Kli Yakar (Rabbi Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz) explains that the name was not just descriptive but also prophetic, warning future generations against similar behavior.

Halachic Implications

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 387) derives from this episode the importance of gratitude and avoiding baseless complaints, as ingratitude leads to divine displeasure. This aligns with the broader Torah principle of "V'halachta b'drachav" (walking in Hashem's ways) by cultivating contentment.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the name 'Tav'era' mean in Numbers 11:3?
A: The name 'Tav'era' (תַּבְעֵרָה) comes from the Hebrew root ב.ע.ר, meaning 'to burn.' It refers to the place where a fire from Hashem burned among those who complained against Him (Rashi on Numbers 11:3).
Q: Why did Hashem send fire in Numbers 11:3?
A: The fire was a punishment for those who complained unjustly against Hashem. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 15:4) explains that this teaches us the severity of speaking against Hashem and His providence.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the incident at Tav'era?
A: The incident teaches us to avoid ungrateful complaints and rebellion against Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:3) emphasizes the importance of cultivating gratitude and trusting in Hashem's plan.
Q: Is there a connection between Tav'era and other biblical events involving fire?
A: Yes, fire appears as a form of divine punishment in other instances, such as with Nadav and Avihu (Leviticus 10:2). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 52a) discusses how fire can symbolize both purification and judgment.
Q: How does the story of Tav'era apply to us today?
A: It reminds us to speak carefully and avoid complaints that show ingratitude. The Chofetz Chaim teaches that negative speech can bring spiritual harm, just as the fire at Tav'era brought physical harm.