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Numbers 17:10 - Divine wrath averted through prayer

Numbers 17:10 - במדבר 17:10

Hebrew Text

הֵרֹמּוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה הַזֹּאת וַאֲכַלֶּה אֹתָם כְּרָגַע וַיִּפְּלוּ עַל־פְּנֵיהֶם׃

English Translation

Get away from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment. And they fell upon their faces.

Transliteration

Heromu mitoch ha'edah hazot va'achaleh otam k'raga vayiplu al-pneihem.

Hebrew Leining Text

הֵרֹ֗מּוּ מִתּוֹךְ֙ הָעֵדָ֣ה הַזֹּ֔את וַאֲכַלֶּ֥ה אֹתָ֖ם כְּרָ֑גַע וַֽיִּפְּל֖וּ עַל־פְּנֵיהֶֽם׃
הֵרֹ֗מּוּ מִתּוֹךְ֙ הָעֵדָ֣ה הַזֹּ֔את וַאֲכַלֶּ֥ה אֹתָ֖ם כְּרָ֑גַע וַֽיִּפְּל֖וּ עַל־פְּנֵיהֶֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Numbers 16:21) appears during the rebellion of Korach and his followers against Moshe and Aharon. Hashem instructs Moshe and Aharon to separate themselves from the rebellious congregation so that He may destroy them in an instant. The response of Moshe and Aharon—falling on their faces—demonstrates their humility and prayerful intercession on behalf of the people.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that the phrase "הֵרֹמּוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה" ("Get away from among this congregation") indicates that Moshe and Aharon were standing among the people, despite the danger. Rashi emphasizes that Moshe and Aharon did not distance themselves immediately, showing their deep concern for Klal Yisrael. Their falling on their faces (וַיִּפְּלוּ עַל־פְּנֵיהֶם) was an act of prayer, pleading for divine mercy.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides) discusses the severity of rebellion against Torah leadership in Hilchos Sanhedrin. He explains that Korach’s challenge was not merely against Moshe and Aharon but against the divine order itself. The phrase "וַאֲכַלֶּה אֹתָם כְּרָגַע" ("that I may consume them in a moment") reflects the swift justice that can befall those who undermine Torah authority.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma teaches that Moshe and Aharon's falling on their faces was an act of self-sacrifice, as they sought to delay judgment and give the people an opportunity to repent.
  • Bamidbar Rabbah highlights that the phrase "כְּרָגַע" ("in a moment") underscores how quickly divine retribution can occur when the bounds of kedushah (holiness) are violated.

Halachic Implications

The Gemara (Sanhedrin 110a) derives from this episode that disputes against Torah leadership are considered particularly grievous. The swift punishment serves as a warning against machlokes (baseless strife), a principle codified in halachah regarding the importance of unity and respect for Torah authority.

Spiritual Lessons

This verse teaches:

  • The gravity of challenging divinely appointed leadership.
  • The power of teshuvah (repentance), as Moshe and Aharon interceded to avert disaster.
  • The importance of humility in the face of divine judgment, as modeled by Moshe and Aharon's prostration.

📚 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 the severity of their punishment.
📖 Sotah 37b
The verse is mentioned in relation to the consequences of dissent and rebellion against divine authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is happening in Numbers 17:10?
A: In Numbers 17:10, Hashem tells Moshe and Aharon to separate themselves from the rebellious congregation so that He can punish them immediately for their sins. Moshe and Aharon respond by falling on their faces, showing humility and pleading for mercy on behalf of the people.
Q: Why did Moshe and Aharon fall on their faces?
A: Moshe and Aharon fell on their faces as an act of prayer and supplication to Hashem, begging for mercy for the Jewish people. This was a common posture in biblical times when pleading for divine compassion, as seen in other instances in the Torah (Rashi on Numbers 17:10).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 17:10?
A: This verse teaches us the importance of righteous leaders who intercede on behalf of the Jewish people, even when they sin. Moshe and Aharon didn't abandon the nation in their time of crisis, but instead prayed fervently for their forgiveness—a model of leadership and compassion (Midrash Tanchuma, Korach 12).
Q: Why did Hashem want to punish the congregation?
A: The congregation had joined Korach's rebellion against Moshe and Aharon's leadership, challenging Hashem's chosen authority. This was a grave sin that warranted punishment, as rebellion against Torah leadership is akin to rebellion against Hashem Himself (Rambam, Hilchos De'os 6:1-2).
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish prayer today?
A: Just as Moshe and Aharon fell on their faces in prayer, we learn the power of heartfelt supplication. Today, during certain parts of the Amidah and on Yom Kippur, we bow deeply to emulate this humility before Hashem (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 113:8).