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Numbers 16:17 - Rebels challenge Aharon's priesthood?

Numbers 16:17 - במדבר 16:17

Hebrew Text

וּקְחוּ אִישׁ מַחְתָּתוֹ וּנְתַתֶּם עֲלֵיהֶם קְטֹרֶת וְהִקְרַבְתֶּם לִפְנֵי יְהוָה אִישׁ מַחְתָּתוֹ חֲמִשִּׁים וּמָאתַיִם מַחְתֹּת וְאַתָּה וְאַהֲרֹן אִישׁ מַחְתָּתוֹ׃

English Translation

and take every man his censer, and put incense in them, and present before the Lord every man his censer, two hundred and fifty censers; thou also, and Aharon, each of you his censer.

Transliteration

U'kchu ish machtato u'netatem aleihem ktoret, v'hikravtem lifnei Adonai ish machtato, chamishim u'matayim machtot, v'ata v'Aharon ish machtato.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּקְח֣וּ <b>׀</b> אִ֣ישׁ מַחְתָּת֗וֹ וּנְתַתֶּ֤ם עֲלֵיהֶם֙ קְטֹ֔רֶת וְהִקְרַבְתֶּ֞ם לִפְנֵ֤י יְהֹוָה֙ אִ֣ישׁ מַחְתָּת֔וֹ חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים וּמָאתַ֖יִם מַחְתֹּ֑ת וְאַתָּ֥ה וְאַהֲרֹ֖ן אִ֥ישׁ מַחְתָּתֽוֹ׃
וּקְח֣וּ ׀ אִ֣ישׁ מַחְתָּת֗וֹ וּנְתַתֶּ֤ם עֲלֵיהֶם֙ קְטֹ֔רֶת וְהִקְרַבְתֶּ֞ם לִפְנֵ֤י יְהֹוָה֙ אִ֣ישׁ מַחְתָּת֔וֹ חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים וּמָאתַ֖יִם מַחְתֹּ֑ת וְאַתָּ֥ה וְאַהֲרֹ֖ן אִ֥ישׁ מַחְתָּתֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bamidbar 17:17) appears in the aftermath of Korach's rebellion, where he and his followers challenged the leadership of Moshe and Aharon. Hashem instructs Moshe to have Korach's group bring incense offerings as a test to determine whom He has chosen for the priesthood.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 17:17) explains that the instruction to bring 250 censers was a response to Korach's claim that "the entire congregation is holy" (Bamidbar 16:3). Hashem allowed them to demonstrate their claim through the incense offering, which was typically reserved for the Kohanim. This would reveal whether their rebellion was divinely sanctioned.

The Significance of the Censers

The machtah (censer) was a vessel used for burning incense, a sacred service performed exclusively by the Kohanim in the Mishkan. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 18:8) notes that the incense represents atonement and closeness to Hashem, making it a fitting test for those claiming priestly rights.

  • 250 Censers: Corresponds to the 250 leaders of the rebellion (Bamidbar 16:2). Each was required to bring his own censer to emphasize individual accountability.
  • Moshe and Aharon's Inclusion: They were commanded to bring censers as well to demonstrate that they were not exempt from divine judgment (Ramban, Bamidbar 17:17).

Halachic Implications

The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 2:3) derives from this episode that unauthorized individuals who attempt to perform the incense service are subject to divine punishment, as seen in the fate of Korach's followers (Bamidbar 16:35). This reinforces the sanctity of the Kehunah (priesthood) as an exclusive divine appointment.

Spiritual Lesson

The Sforno (Bamidbar 17:17) teaches that this episode serves as a warning against seeking honor or positions of spiritual leadership without divine authorization. True service of Hashem must be rooted in humility and adherence to His commandments, not personal ambition.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 110a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about Korach's rebellion, where the use of censers is mentioned as part of the dispute.
📖 Yoma 53b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the service of the High Priest on Yom Kippur and the use of incense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the context of Numbers 16:17?
A: Numbers 16:17 is part of the story of Korach's rebellion against Moshe (Moses) and Aharon (Aaron). Korach and his followers challenged their leadership, claiming that all of Israel was holy and did not need intermediaries. This verse describes Moshe's instruction for Korach's group to bring incense offerings to test who was truly chosen by Hashem for the priesthood.
Q: Why did Moshe tell them to bring incense (ketoret)?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash, Moshe chose the incense test because offering incense was a sacred service reserved only for the Kohanim (priests). By having Korach's group bring incense, Moshe demonstrated that unauthorized individuals who attempt the priestly service would face consequences, proving that Aharon's priesthood was divinely appointed.
Q: What happened after they brought the incense?
A: As described later in the parsha (Numbers 16:35), a fire came forth from Hashem and consumed the 250 men who brought unauthorized incense. This miracle confirmed that only Aharon and his descendants were chosen by Hashem for the priestly service, as explained in the Talmud (Sanhedrin 110a).
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: The story teaches the importance of respecting divinely appointed leadership and the dangers of unwarranted rebellion. The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 6:1-3) emphasizes that disputes not for the sake of Heaven, like Korach's rebellion, lead to destruction, while constructive disagreement seeks truth and unity.
Q: Why were there exactly 250 censers?
A: The number 250 represents the leaders of Korach's rebellion (Rashi on Numbers 16:2). The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 18:3) explains that these were prominent men who were misled by Korach's arguments. The precise number highlights that rebellion often starts with influential individuals who sway others.