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Numbers 16:21 - Divine wrath demands separation.

Numbers 16:21 - במדבר 16:21

Hebrew Text

הִבָּדְלוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה הַזֹּאת וַאַכַלֶּה אֹתָם כְּרָגַע׃

English Translation

Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.

Transliteration

Hibadlu mitokh ha'edah hazot va'akhale otam k'raga.

Hebrew Leining Text

הִבָּ֣דְל֔וּ מִתּ֖וֹךְ הָעֵדָ֣ה הַזֹּ֑את וַאֲכַלֶּ֥ה אֹתָ֖ם כְּרָֽגַע׃
הִבָּ֣דְל֔וּ מִתּ֖וֹךְ הָעֵדָ֣ה הַזֹּ֑את וַאֲכַלֶּ֥ה אֹתָ֖ם כְּרָֽגַע׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Numbers 16:21) appears in the narrative of Korach's rebellion against Moshe (Moses) and Aharon (Aaron). Hashem instructs Moshe and Aharon to separate from the rebellious congregation to avoid being caught in the impending punishment. The phrase "הִבָּדְלוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה הַזֹּאת" ("Separate yourselves from among this congregation") underscores the severity of the sin and the need for immediate distancing from the transgressors.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Hashem's command to separate was a warning to Moshe and Aharon to distance themselves from Korach and his followers to avoid being included in their punishment. Rashi emphasizes that the phrase "וַאַכַלֶּה אֹתָם כְּרָגַע" ("that I may consume them in a moment") indicates the swift and decisive nature of divine judgment against those who challenge Hashem's chosen leadership.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides), in his philosophical works, might interpret this verse as a lesson on the dangers of discord and rebellion within the community. The demand for separation highlights the principle that unity must not come at the expense of truth, and that distancing from those who incite division is sometimes necessary to preserve the sanctity of the community.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Tanchuma elaborates that Korach's rebellion was not merely against Moshe and Aharon but against Hashem Himself. The call for separation was a final opportunity for the righteous to dissociate from this grave sin.
  • Another Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) compares the rebellion to a flame that threatens to consume everything in its path, emphasizing the urgency of distancing oneself from evil influences.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 110a) derives from this verse the principle that one must not remain associated with a group engaged in sinful behavior. The Gemara discusses the obligation to separate from a "עדה סוררה" (a rebellious congregation) to avoid sharing in their punishment, reflecting the broader halachic concept of "הבדלה" (separation) for spiritual preservation.

Moral Lesson

This verse teaches the importance of discernment in communal life. While unity is a cherished value, it must not lead to tolerance of rebellion against Torah authority or divine commandments. The swift punishment serves as a warning against the corrosive effects of machlokes (dispute) and the necessity of upholding truth even when it requires separation.

📚 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, emphasizing the importance of separating from a sinful congregation to avoid divine punishment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 16:21 mean when it says 'Separate yourselves from among this congregation'?
A: This verse is part of the story of Korach's rebellion against Moshe (Moses) and Aharon (Aaron). Hashem commands Moshe and Aharon to separate from Korach and his followers to avoid being caught in the punishment that was about to come upon them. Rashi explains that this was an act of mercy, giving the righteous a chance to distance themselves before judgment was executed.
Q: Why was Hashem going to consume Korach and his followers 'in a moment'?
A: Korach and his group challenged Moshe and Aharon's leadership, which was essentially a rebellion against Hashem's chosen authority. The Midrash teaches that their sin was particularly severe because they caused division among the Jewish people. The phrase 'in a moment' emphasizes how quickly divine justice would come upon them for this serious transgression.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 16:21 today?
A: The verse teaches us about the importance of respecting proper Torah leadership and avoiding divisiveness. The Rambam writes that causing disputes goes against the Torah's ways of peace. Just as Hashem protected those who separated from the rebellion, we must distance ourselves from unnecessary conflicts and lashon hara (harmful speech) in our communities.
Q: How does this verse show Hashem's mercy?
A: Even while bringing judgment, Hashem first gave a warning and opportunity for the righteous to separate themselves. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 109b) notes that this demonstrates how Hashem always provides a path for teshuvah (repentance) and protects those who choose the right path.
Q: Who was included in 'this congregation' that needed to be separated from?
A: According to Rashi and other commentators, 'this congregation' refers specifically to Korach and his 250 followers who joined in rebellion. The rest of the Jewish people were not included in this punishment unless they actively supported the rebellion. This teaches us that punishment comes only to those directly involved in wrongdoing.