share torah logo

Numbers 14:12 - Divine justice or mercy?

Numbers 14:12 - במדבר 14:12

Hebrew Text

אַכֶּנּוּ בַדֶּבֶר וְאוֹרִשֶׁנּוּ וְאֶעֱשֶׂה אֹתְךָ לְגוֹי־גָּדוֹל וְעָצוּם מִמֶּנּוּ׃

English Translation

I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they.

Transliteration

Achenu vadever ve'orishenu ve'e'ese otcha legoy gadol ve'atzum mimenu.

Hebrew Leining Text

אַכֶּ֥נּוּ בַדֶּ֖בֶר וְאוֹרִשֶׁ֑נּוּ וְאֶֽעֱשֶׂה֙ אֹֽתְךָ֔ לְגוֹי־גָּד֥וֹל וְעָצ֖וּם מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃
אַכֶּ֥נּוּ בַדֶּ֖בֶר וְאוֹרִשֶׁ֑נּוּ וְאֶֽעֱשֶׂה֙ אֹֽתְךָ֔ לְגוֹי־גָּד֥וֹל וְעָצ֖וּם מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Numbers 14:12) appears in the aftermath of the sin of the spies, when the Israelites rejected the Land of Israel and expressed a desire to return to Egypt. Hashem responds to Moshe with a proposal to destroy the nation and rebuild it through Moshe himself.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "I will smite them with the pestilence" refers to a sudden death, as the word "דֶבֶר" (dever) implies a plague that strikes swiftly. He further notes that "I will disinherit them" means that Hashem would remove His presence (the Shechinah) from among them, as they would no longer be His chosen nation.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 3:3) discusses this episode as an example of how severe collective sin can lead to divine retribution. However, he emphasizes that Moshe's prayer (in the following verses) demonstrates the power of repentance and intercession to avert harsh decrees.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Shelach 10) states that Hashem offered Moshe the opportunity to become the father of a new nation, just as Avraham was after the dispersion of the generation of the Tower of Babel.
  • Midrash Bamidbar Rabbah (16:20) explains that the phrase "greater nation and mightier than they" implies that Moshe's descendants would inherit both the physical and spiritual greatness of Israel in an even greater measure.

Theological Implications

The Sforno notes that this verse reveals the severity of rejecting Eretz Yisrael—it constitutes a rejection of the covenant itself. However, the fact that Moshe successfully pleads for the people demonstrates the enduring bond between Hashem and Klal Yisrael, even after grave sins.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Lubavitcher Rebbe explains that the offer to make Moshe into a new nation was a test of his leadership—to see if he would advocate for the Jewish people despite their failings. His refusal (in the subsequent verses) exemplifies the selfless dedication required of true Jewish leaders.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 14:12 mean in context?
A: Numbers 14:12 records Hashem's response to the Jewish people's lack of faith after the spies' negative report about the Land of Israel. Hashem tells Moshe that He considers destroying the nation through a plague and starting anew with Moshe's descendants. This shows the severity of the sin of speaking negatively about Eretz Yisrael and doubting Hashem's promise.
Q: Why did Hashem threaten to destroy the Jewish people in this verse?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Sotah 35a), the Jewish people committed two grave sins: (1) they believed the negative report of the spies over Hashem's promise, and (2) they spoke badly about the Land of Israel. These showed a fundamental lack of faith after witnessing so many miracles. Hashem's threat demonstrates how seriously He takes these sins.
Q: What can we learn from Moshe's response to this verse?
A: Though not part of this specific verse, Moshe's response (in the following verses) teaches us about his great leadership and love for the Jewish people. Instead of accepting Hashem's offer to make a great nation from him, Moshe prays for mercy for the people. The Rambam teaches that this shows a leader must always prioritize the community's welfare over personal gain.
Q: How does this verse relate to our connection to Eretz Yisrael today?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 16:20) explains that speaking negatively about Eretz Yisrael is considered a grave sin because it shows ingratitude for Hashem's gift. Today, Orthodox Judaism maintains that the Land of Israel remains central to Jewish identity and destiny, and we must always speak of it with love and respect.
Q: Why does Hashem mention making Moshe into a great nation in this verse?
A: The Ohr HaChaim explains that Hashem was testing Moshe's leadership by offering him the chance to become the father of a new chosen nation. This mirrors Avraham being told he would become a great nation (Bereishis 12:2), showing that true leaders must be willing to sacrifice personal glory for the people's sake.