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Numbers 17:3 - Divine fire transforms rebellion's remnants.

Numbers 17:3 - במדבר 17:3

Hebrew Text

אֵת מַחְתּוֹת הַחַטָּאִים הָאֵלֶּה בְּנַפְשֹׁתָם וְעָשׂוּ אֹתָם רִקֻּעֵי פַחִים צִפּוּי לַמִּזְבֵּחַ כִּי־הִקְרִיבֻם לִפְנֵי־יְהוָה וַיִּקְדָּשׁוּ וְיִהְיוּ לְאוֹת לִבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל׃

English Translation

As for the censers of these sinners against their own lives, let them make them into beaten plates for a covering of the altar: for they offered them before the Lord, therefore they have become holy: and they shall be a sign to the children of Yisra᾽el.

Transliteration

Et machtot hachat'im ha'ele b'nafshotam v'asu otam rik'uei fachim tzipui lamizbe'ach ki-hikrivum lifnei-Adonai vayikdashu v'yihyu l'ot livnei Yisra'el.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֵ֡ת מַחְתּוֹת֩ הַֽחַטָּאִ֨ים הָאֵ֜לֶּה בְּנַפְשֹׁתָ֗ם וְעָשׂ֨וּ אֹתָ֜ם רִקֻּעֵ֤י פַחִים֙ צִפּ֣וּי לַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ כִּֽי־הִקְרִיבֻ֥ם לִפְנֵֽי־יְהֹוָ֖ה וַיִּקְדָּ֑שׁוּ וְיִֽהְי֥וּ לְא֖וֹת לִבְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
אֵ֡ת מַחְתּוֹת֩ הַֽחַטָּאִ֨ים הָאֵ֜לֶּה בְּנַפְשֹׁתָ֗ם וְעָשׂ֨וּ אֹתָ֜ם רִקֻּעֵ֤י פַחִים֙ צִפּ֣וּי לַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ כִּֽי־הִקְרִיבֻ֥ם לִפְנֵֽי־יְהֹוָ֖ה וַיִּקְדָּ֑שׁוּ וְיִֽהְי֥וּ לְא֖וֹת לִבְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 17:3) refers to the aftermath of Korach's rebellion, where 250 men offered unauthorized incense offerings in copper firepans (מַחְתּוֹת). As a consequence, they were consumed by fire, and their firepans were repurposed as a covering for the Mizbe'ach (altar). This serves as a lasting reminder of the dangers of unauthorized service in the Mishkan and the sanctity of the Kehunah (priesthood).

Explanation of Key Phrases

  • "אֵת מַחְתּוֹת הַחַטָּאִים הָאֵלֶּה בְּנַפְשֹׁתָם" – Rashi explains that these men sinned "with their own lives," meaning they brought death upon themselves by arrogantly challenging Aharon's divinely appointed role.
  • "וְעָשׂוּ אֹתָם רִקֻּעֵי פַחִים" – The firepans were hammered into thin plates. The Ramban notes that this transformation symbolizes how even objects used improperly for avodah (service) can be repurposed for kedushah (holiness) when directed by divine command.
  • "כִּי־הִקְרִיבֻם לִפְנֵי־יְהוָה וַיִּקְדָּשׁוּ" – Though their offering was unauthorized, the firepans attained holiness because they were brought before Hashem. The Sforno emphasizes that this teaches that even misguided intentions can result in kedushah when involving sacred vessels.

Symbolism and Lesson

The Midrash Tanchuma teaches that the copper covering served as a visible warning against future rebellions. The Talmud (Yoma 44a) further elaborates that this act reinforced the exclusive role of the Kohanim in the avodah. The Or HaChaim highlights that the transformation of the firepans into an altar covering demonstrated that rebellion against divine authority ultimately strengthens, rather than weakens, the sanctity of the Mishkan.

Halachic Implications

The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 1:13) derives from this verse that objects used in avodah retain their kedushah even if misused. Additionally, the principle of "וְיִהְיוּ לְאוֹת" (they shall be a sign) establishes that public miracles or punishments serve as enduring lessons for Klal Yisrael, as noted by the Malbim.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 44a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the sanctity of the altar and the use of the censers of Korah's assembly as a covering for the altar, emphasizing their transformation into a sacred object.
📖 Sanhedrin 110a
The verse is cited in the context of the rebellion of Korah and his assembly, illustrating the consequences of their actions and the sanctification of the censers as a sign for the Israelites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 17:3 mean when it says the censers became holy?
A: According to Rashi, the censers became holy because they were used in service to Hashem, even though the people who brought them (Korach and his followers) sinned. Once something is designated for holy use, it retains that sanctity. The verse teaches that objects used in Divine service acquire holiness, regardless of the user's intentions.
Q: Why were the censers made into altar coverings?
A: The Rambam explains that transforming the copper censers into altar coverings served two purposes: 1) It preserved the sanctity the objects attained when used before Hashem, and 2) It created a visible reminder (as the verse states 'they shall be a sign') warning against unauthorized service in the Mishkan and the dangers of rebellion against Torah leadership.
Q: What lesson does Numbers 17:3 teach us today?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 23a) derives from this verse that we must be careful with holy objects. Just as the censers retained their sanctity despite their owners' sins, today we must treat synagogue items, holy books, and ritual objects with proper respect. The 'sign' aspect also teaches that public reminders can help prevent spiritual mistakes.
Q: How does this verse show the importance of proper sacrificial service?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 18:20) emphasizes that this incident demonstrates the strict boundaries of avodah (Temple service). Only kohanim authorized by Torah law may perform certain rituals. The transformation of the censers into altar coverings served as an eternal warning against unauthorized service, showing the precision required in serving Hashem.