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Numbers 16:18 - Rebels challenge divine authority.

Numbers 16:18 - במדבר 16:18

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקְחוּ אִישׁ מַחְתָּתוֹ וַיִּתְּנוּ עֲלֵיהֶם אֵשׁ וַיָּשִׂימוּ עֲלֵיהֶם קְטֹרֶת וַיַּעַמְדוּ פֶּתַח אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד וּמֹשֶׁה וְאַהֲרֹן׃

English Translation

And they took every man his censer, and put fire in them, and laid incense on them, and stood in the door of the Tent of Meeting with Moshe and Aharon.

Transliteration

Vayikchu ish machtato vayitnu aleihem esh vayasimu aleihem ketoret vayaamdu petach ohel moed uMoshe veAharon.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקְח֞וּ אִ֣ישׁ מַחְתָּת֗וֹ וַיִּתְּנ֤וּ עֲלֵיהֶם֙ אֵ֔שׁ וַיָּשִׂ֥ימוּ עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם קְטֹ֑רֶת וַֽיַּעַמְד֗וּ פֶּ֛תַח אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵ֖ד וּמֹשֶׁ֥ה וְאַהֲרֹֽן׃
וַיִּקְח֞וּ אִ֣ישׁ מַחְתָּת֗וֹ וַיִּתְּנ֤וּ עֲלֵיהֶם֙ אֵ֔שׁ וַיָּשִׂ֥ימוּ עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם קְטֹ֑רֶת וַֽיַּעַמְד֗וּ פֶּ֛תַח אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵ֖ד וּמֹשֶׁ֥ה וְאַהֲרֹֽן׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bamidbar 16:18) describes the actions of Korach and his followers during their rebellion against Moshe and Aharon. They took censers, placed fire and incense in them, and stood at the entrance of the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting) alongside Moshe and Aharon. This act was a direct challenge to the leadership and the divine selection of Aharon as Kohen Gadol.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Korach and his followers sought to demonstrate that they were equally fit to serve as Kohanim. By bringing incense—a service typically reserved for the Kohanim—they attempted to prove their claim. Rashi emphasizes that their actions were rooted in arrogance and a desire for honor, rather than genuine spiritual motivation.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchos De'os (1:7), Rambam discusses the dangers of jealousy and desire for honor, which were at the root of Korach's rebellion. He teaches that such traits lead to destructive behavior, as seen in this episode. The misuse of the sacred incense service for personal gain exemplifies how misguided ambitions can corrupt even seemingly holy acts.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 18:8) compares Korach's rebellion to a parable of a foolish man who challenges the king's authority. Just as the king would reject such insolence, Hashem rejected Korach's claim.
  • Another Midrash (Tanchuma Korach 5) highlights that the incense was a test—only those truly chosen by Hashem could offer it without suffering consequences. This underscores the severity of their unauthorized offering.

Halachic Implications

The Gemara (Yoma 53a) derives from this incident that unauthorized individuals who attempt to perform the incense service are subject to severe punishment. This reinforces the principle that divine service must be conducted only by those designated by Hashem and according to His commandments.

Spiritual Lessons

This episode teaches the importance of humility and accepting divinely ordained roles. The Chofetz Chaim (in Shem Olam) notes that Korach's downfall resulted from his inability to recognize the boundaries set by Hashem. True service to Hashem requires submission to His will, not self-serving ambition.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 110a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the rebellion of Korach and his followers, illustrating their defiance against Moshe and Aharon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is happening in Numbers 16:18?
A: In Numbers 16:18, Korach and his followers take censers (fire pans), place fire and incense in them, and stand at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting with Moshe and Aharon. This was part of their rebellion against Moshe's and Aharon's leadership, as they sought to challenge their authority (Rashi on Numbers 16:1).
Q: Why did Korach and his followers bring incense in this verse?
A: Korach and his followers brought incense as a test to see whom Hashem would choose as the true leader. Incense was a sacred offering that only the Kohanim (priests) were permitted to bring, and by doing this, they were unlawfully attempting to take on the role of the Kohanim (Ramban on Numbers 16:6-7).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 16:18?
A: This verse teaches the dangers of rebellion and seeking honor improperly. Korach's challenge to Moshe and Aharon led to disastrous consequences, emphasizing the importance of respecting divinely appointed leadership and following Torah law (Talmud, Sanhedrin 110a).
Q: Why did they stand at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting?
A: Standing at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting was a public display of their defiance. The Mishkan (Tabernacle) was the holiest place, and by standing there, they were attempting to force a confrontation with Moshe and Aharon in front of the entire nation (Midrash Tanchuma, Korach 5).
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish leadership today?
A: This verse reminds us that leadership in Judaism must be based on Torah principles and humility, not personal ambition. The rebellion of Korach serves as a warning against undermining legitimate Torah authority, whether in rabbinic leadership or communal structure (Rambam, Hilchot Sanhedrin 22:7).