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Numbers 16:15 - Moshe's righteous indignation revealed

Numbers 16:15 - במדבר 16:15

Hebrew Text

וַיִּחַר לְמֹשֶׁה מְאֹד וַיֹּאמֶר אֶל־יְהוָה אַל־תֵּפֶן אֶל־מִנְחָתָם לֹא חֲמוֹר אֶחָד מֵהֶם נָשָׂאתִי וְלֹא הֲרֵעֹתִי אֶת־אַחַד מֵהֶם׃

English Translation

And Moshe was much angered, and said to the Lord, Have no regard to their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, nor have I hurt one of them.

Transliteration

Vayichar le-Moshe me'od vayomer el-Adonai al-tefen el-minchatam lo chamor echad mehem nasati velo hare'oti et-achad mehem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּ֤חַר לְמֹשֶׁה֙ מְאֹ֔ד וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ אֶל־יְהֹוָ֔ה אַל־תֵּ֖פֶן אֶל־מִנְחָתָ֑ם לֹ֠א חֲמ֨וֹר אֶחָ֤ד מֵהֶם֙ נָשָׂ֔אתִי וְלֹ֥א הֲרֵעֹ֖תִי אֶת־אַחַ֥ד מֵהֶֽם׃
וַיִּ֤חַר לְמֹשֶׁה֙ מְאֹ֔ד וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ אֶל־יְהֹוָ֔ה אַל־תֵּ֖פֶן אֶל־מִנְחָתָ֑ם לֹ֠א חֲמ֨וֹר אֶחָ֤ד מֵהֶם֙ נָשָׂ֔אתִי וְלֹ֥א הֲרֵעֹ֖תִי אֶת־אַחַ֥ד מֵהֶֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 16:15) appears in the episode of Korach's rebellion against Moshe and Aharon. Korach, Datan, Aviram, and their followers challenge Moshe's leadership and Aharon's priesthood, leading to a confrontation. Moshe responds with deep frustration, declaring his innocence before Hashem.

Moshe's Anger and Its Significance

Rashi explains that Moshe's anger ("וַיִּחַר לְמֹשֶׁה מְאֹד") was not personal but stemmed from zeal for Hashem's honor. The rebellion undermined the divine appointment of leadership, prompting Moshe to defend the truth. The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 2:3) teaches that anger is only justified when standing up for righteousness, as Moshe did here.

Moshe's Defense: "I Have Taken Nothing from Them"

Moshe declares, "לֹא חֲמוֹר אֶחָד מֵהֶם נָשָׂאתִי"—"I have not taken one donkey from them." Rashi interprets this as Moshe affirming his financial integrity: he never exploited his leadership for personal gain, not even taking a donkey (a common mode of transportation) for his own use. The Midrash Tanchuma (Korach 5) elaborates that Moshe emphasized his ethical conduct to contrast with corrupt leaders who burden their people.

"Nor Have I Hurt One of Them"

Moshe adds, "וְלֹא הֲרֵעֹתִי אֶת־אַחַד מֵהֶם"—"nor have I harmed any of them." The Sforno explains that Moshe never wronged anyone, even unintentionally, demonstrating his impeccable moral character. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 110a) connects this to the broader principle that leaders must avoid even the appearance of misconduct to maintain public trust.

Spiritual Implications of Moshe's Plea

Moshe's plea, "אַל־תֵּפֶן אֶל־מִנְחָתָם"—"Do not accept their offering," reflects his concern that Korach's rebellion was insincere. The Kli Yakar notes that Moshe recognized their offerings were not for Hashem's sake but for selfish ambition. This aligns with the Talmudic teaching (Berachos 17a) that mitzvos must be performed with pure intentions.

Lessons for Leadership and Integrity

  • Financial Integrity: Leaders must avoid even minor misuse of authority, as Moshe modeled by not taking a donkey.
  • Moral Accountability: A leader's conduct must be beyond reproach, as Moshe emphasized by stating he harmed no one.
  • Sincerity in Service: Divine service must be genuine, not driven by personal agendas, as Moshe discerned in Korach's rebellion.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Moshe so angry in Numbers 16:15?
A: Moshe was angry because Korach and his followers falsely accused him of taking leadership for personal gain. Rashi explains that Moshe was upset they suspected him of misusing his position, when in truth he never took even a donkey from anyone (Rashi on Numbers 16:15).
Q: What does Moshe mean when he says 'I have not taken one donkey from them'?
A: Moshe was declaring his complete integrity as a leader. The donkey represents even the smallest possible benefit - he never took anything from the people, not even something as minor as a donkey. The Talmud (Nedarim 38a) teaches this shows Moshe's extreme humility and honesty in leadership.
Q: Why did Moshe tell Hashem not to accept Korach's offering?
A: Moshe recognized that Korach's rebellion and subsequent offerings were insincere and motivated by selfish ambition rather than true service of Hashem. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 18:10) explains that Moshe knew their offerings were invalid because they came with improper intentions.