Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What plague is being referred to in Numbers 25:9?
A: The plague mentioned in Numbers 25:9 was a divine punishment that struck the Israelites after they sinned with the Moabite women and worshipped the idol Peor (Baal Peor). Rashi explains that this was a result of the Israelites engaging in immoral behavior and idolatry, which violated their covenant with Hashem.
Q: Why did 24,000 people die in this plague?
A: According to the Talmud (Sanhedrin 106a), the 24,000 who died were primarily from the tribe of Shimon, as their leader, Zimri, publicly sinned with a Midianite woman (Kozbi). The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:23) teaches that this severe punishment was due to the brazenness of the sin and the need to halt the moral decay among the Israelites.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the plague in Numbers 25:9?
A: The verse teaches the severe consequences of straying from Torah values, especially in matters of morality and idolatry. Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:4) emphasizes that one must distance oneself from negative influences to avoid spiritual downfall. The plague serves as a warning about the dangers of assimilation and improper behavior.
Q: How does Pinchas (Phinehas) relate to this verse?
A: Right after this verse (Numbers 25:10-13), Pinchas is praised for his zealousness in stopping the plague by taking action against Zimri and Kozbi. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 82a) explains that Pinchas' intervention demonstrated loyalty to Hashem, which ended the plague and earned him a covenant of peace (Brit Shalom).
Q: Is there any significance to the number 24,000 in Jewish tradition?
A: Yes, the number 24,000 is also associated with the students of Rabbi Akiva who perished during the Sefirat HaOmer period (Yevamot 62b) due to lack of respect for one another. Some commentaries draw a parallel between these tragedies, highlighting the importance of unity and moral conduct in Jewish life.
