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Numbers 17:14 - Divine justice after Korach's rebellion?

Numbers 17:14 - במדבר 17:14

Hebrew Text

וַיִּהְיוּ הַמֵּתִים בַּמַּגֵּפָה אַרְבָּעָה עָשָׂר אֶלֶף וּשְׁבַע מֵאוֹת מִלְּבַד הַמֵּתִים עַל־דְּבַר־קֹרַח׃

English Translation

Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand, seven hundred, besides those who died about the matter of Qoraĥ.

Transliteration

Vayihyu hameitim bamageifa arba'a asar elef ushva me'ot milevad hameitim al-dvar-Korach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּהְי֗וּ הַמֵּתִים֙ בַּמַּגֵּפָ֔ה אַרְבָּעָ֥ה עָשָׂ֛ר אֶ֖לֶף וּשְׁבַ֣ע מֵא֑וֹת מִלְּבַ֥ד הַמֵּתִ֖ים עַל־דְּבַר־קֹֽרַח׃
וַיִּהְי֗וּ הַמֵּתִים֙ בַּמַּגֵּפָ֔ה אַרְבָּעָ֥ה עָשָׂ֛ר אֶ֖לֶף וּשְׁבַ֣ע מֵא֑וֹת מִלְּבַ֥ד הַמֵּתִ֖ים עַל־דְּבַר־קֹֽרַח׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bamidbar 17:14) describes the aftermath of the rebellion against Moshe and Aharon, where a plague struck Bnei Yisrael as a consequence of their complaints. The verse specifies the number of those who perished in the plague—14,700—in addition to those who had already died in the incident involving Korach (Bamidbar 16:32-35).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 17:14) notes that the plague was a direct punishment for the people's murmuring against Moshe and Aharon after the earth swallowed Korach and his followers. He emphasizes that the phrase "בַּמַּגֵּפָה" ("in the plague") refers to the divine retribution brought about through Aharon's intervention with the ketoret (incense), which halted the plague (as described in the preceding verses).

The Significance of the Number 14,700

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 18:20) explains that the number 14,700 is not arbitrary but reflects the severity of the sin. The plague targeted those who persisted in rebellion even after witnessing the miraculous punishment of Korach. The additional 700 beyond 14,000 may symbolize the incomplete nature of their teshuvah (repentance), as they were still resistant to accepting Moshe and Aharon's leadership.

Exclusion of Korach's Followers

The verse explicitly states that this count is "מִלְּבַד הַמֵּתִים עַל־דְּבַר־קֹרַח" ("besides those who died about the matter of Korach"). Ramban (Bamidbar 17:14) explains that this distinction underscores two separate punishments:

  • The first group (Korach's assembly) died in a miraculous, supernatural manner (swallowed by the earth).
  • The second group (14,700) died in a plague, a more natural form of divine retribution, demonstrating that rebellion against leadership is a grave offense.

Lessons from the Plague

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 110a) derives from this episode that disputes not for the sake of Heaven (like Korach's rebellion) lead to destruction. The ketoret's role in stopping the plague (Bamidbar 17:11-13) also teaches the power of unity and the priesthood's role in achieving atonement, as Aharon's actions symbolize intercession for the people.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 110a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the punishment of Korah and his followers, emphasizing the severity of their rebellion and the resulting divine punishment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the plague mentioned in Numbers 17:14 about?
A: The plague in Numbers 17:14 was a divine punishment that struck the Israelites after they complained against Moshe (Moses) and Aharon (Aaron) following the rebellion of Korach. Rashi explains that this was a consequence of their lack of faith and ingratitude, showing the severity of speaking against righteous leaders.
Q: Why were 14,700 people killed in the plague?
A: The 14,700 deaths resulted from the people's continued defiance and complaints even after the dramatic end of Korach's rebellion (as described in Numbers 16). The Midrash teaches that this shows how destructive sinat chinam (baseless hatred) and rebellion against Torah leadership can be. The number specifically reflects those who didn't learn from Korach's mistake.
Q: What is the connection between this plague and Korach's rebellion?
A: While Korach and his followers were punished separately (swallowed by the earth), this plague punished the general population who continued to murmur against Moshe and Aharon afterward. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 110a) explains that both incidents teach about the importance of unity and proper respect for Torah authority.
Q: How did the plague finally stop?
A: The verse immediately following (Numbers 17:15) explains that Aharon took a firepan with incense and stood between the dead and living to stop the plague. The Midrash teaches that this demonstrates the power of teshuvah (repentance) and the merit of the kehunah (priesthood) to bring atonement.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: The Rambam teaches that this incident warns us about the dangers of machloket (divisiveness) and improper speech. Just as the plague came from lashon hara (evil speech) against leaders, we must be careful with our words and maintain respect for Torah authorities. The large number of deaths emphasizes how seriously we must take these matters.