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Numbers 16:4 - Moshe's humble response to rebellion

Numbers 16:4 - במדבר 16:4

Hebrew Text

וַיִּשְׁמַע מֹשֶׁה וַיִּפֹּל עַל־פָּנָיו׃

English Translation

And when Moshe heard it, he fell on his face:

Transliteration

Vayishma Moshe vayipol al-panav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע מֹשֶׁ֔ה וַיִּפֹּ֖ל עַל־פָּנָֽיו׃
וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע מֹשֶׁ֔ה וַיִּפֹּ֖ל עַל־פָּנָֽיו׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding Moshe's Reaction

The verse (Bamidbar 16:4) describes Moshe's response upon hearing the complaints of Korach and his followers. Falling on his face is a significant gesture in Tanach, often indicating deep humility, prayer, or distress. Rashi explains that Moshe fell on his face because he perceived the gravity of the rebellion and sought divine guidance on how to respond.

Spiritual Significance of Falling on the Face

According to the Talmud (Berachos 34b), falling on one's face (nefilas apayim) is an act of extreme supplication before Hashem. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 18:6) adds that Moshe did this to demonstrate his complete reliance on Hashem in the face of this challenge, rather than relying on his own wisdom or authority.

Moshe's Humility

Rambam (Hilchos De'os 2:3) cites this incident as an example of Moshe's extraordinary humility. Despite being the unquestioned leader of Israel, he didn't respond with anger or pride when challenged, but with humility and prayer. The Or HaChaim notes that Moshe's reaction teaches leaders how to respond to criticism - with introspection rather than indignation.

Contrast with Korach's Approach

  • Moshe's falling on his face represents submission to divine will
  • Korach's rebellion represents assertion of human will
  • The Netziv explains this contrast shows the difference between true leadership (Moshe) and false leadership (Korach)

Halachic Implications

The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 131:1) discusses how Moshe's action became the model for the Tachanun prayer where we literally fall on our faces. The Mishna Berurah there explains this connects us to Moshe's example of humility before Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 14a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about Moses' humility and his reaction to the complaints of Korah and his followers.
📖 Sanhedrin 110a
The verse is mentioned in the context of the rebellion of Korah, illustrating Moses' response to the challenge to his leadership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe fall on his face when he heard Korach's rebellion?
A: According to Rashi (Numbers 16:4), Moshe fell on his face because he was deeply distressed by Korach's rebellion and wanted to pray to Hashem for guidance. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 110a) explains that Moshe was showing humility and seeking divine intervention in this serious challenge to his leadership.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe's reaction to Korach's rebellion?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 18:10) teaches that Moshe's response demonstrates the proper way to handle conflict - with humility and prayer rather than anger. When faced with opposition, we should first turn to Hashem for guidance, as Moshe did by falling on his face in prayer.
Q: Is falling on one's face a common practice in Jewish tradition?
A: Yes, falling on one's face (called 'nefilat apayim') is mentioned several times in Tanach as an expression of deep prayer or submission before Hashem. However, as the Rambam explains (Hilchot Tefillah 5:14), this practice is generally not done outside of the Temple except in certain special prayers like Tachanun, following the example of Moshe and other biblical figures.
Q: Why didn't Moshe argue directly with Korach instead of falling on his face?
A: The Or HaChaim (Numbers 16:4) explains that Moshe recognized this wasn't an ordinary dispute that could be resolved through debate. Since Korach's challenge was fundamentally against Hashem's chosen leadership, Moshe understood that divine intervention was needed. His falling on his face showed his complete reliance on Hashem to resolve the matter.