Difference between revisions of "Dialogue with the Divine During Korach's Rebellion/2"

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<div class="overview">
 
<div class="overview">
 
<h2>Overview</h2>
 
<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Moshe's brief dialogue with Hashem presents us with the challenge of how to contend with a debate between two sides, both of whom are often viewed as infallible or close to it. How does one "choose sides" in such a case, or can one find a way to understand and justify both? R. Chananel adopts the approach that Hashem never had any intention of wiping out the entire people, and that Moshe simply made a mistake and, due to the ambiguity of the word "הָעֵדָה", misunderstood what Hashem said. Ralbag, in contrast, develops the notion that Hashem, indeed, sometimes applies collective punishment to completely innocent people, but Moshe prevailed upon Hashem to afford the nation the opportunity to distance themselves from Korach and thereby avoid punishment.</p>
+
<p>Moshe's brief dialogue with Hashem presents us with the challenge of how to contend with a debate between two sides, both of whom are often viewed as infallible or close to it.<fn>See also the parallel case of <a href="Avraham's Prayer for Sedom" data-aht="page">Avraham's Prayer for Sedom</a>.</fn> How does one "choose sides" in such a case, or can a way be found to understand and justify both? R. Chananel adopts the approach that Hashem never had any intention of wiping out the entire people, but Moshe made a mistake and, due to the ambiguity of the word "הָעֵדָה", simply misunderstood what Hashem had said. Ralbag, in contrast, develops the notion that Hashem, indeed, sometimes applies collective punishment to completely innocent people, but Moshe prevailed upon Hashem to afford the nation the opportunity to distance themselves from Korach and thereby avoid punishment.</p>
<p>Other commentators try to present the exchange as Moshe's pleading for Hashem to have mercy even upon sinners. Ramban proposes that the entire conversation revolves around the nation at large which had in fact sinned, but is nonetheless spared because Moshe succeeds in persuading Hashem to have mercy. The Melekhet Machshevet, though, explains that the discussion focuses on the fate of Korach's followers, and that Moshe fails in his attempt to invoke Divine mercy upon them.</p>
+
<p>Other commentators try to present the exchange as Moshe pleading for Hashem to have mercy even upon sinners. Ramban proposes that the entire conversation revolved around the nation at large which had in fact sinned, but were nonetheless spared because Moshe succeeded in persuading Hashem to have mercy. The Melekhet Machshevet, though, explains that the discussion focused on the fate of Korach's followers, and that Moshe failed in his attempt to invoke Divine mercy upon them.</p></div>
</div>
 
 
<approaches>
 
<approaches>
<category name="">Hashem Corrected Moshe's Error
+
 
<p>Moshe misunderstood Hashem's intentions, and thought that God wanted to destroy the entire nation while Hashem was never planning to do so. Hashem proceeded to clarify that Moshe had erred.</p>
+
<category name="Hashem Corrected Moshe">
 +
Hashem Corrected Moshe's Error
 +
<p>Hashem planned to punish only Korach's followers, but Moshe misunderstood and thought that Hashem intended to destroy the entire nation. In response, Hashem clarified his intent and corrected Moshe's mistake.</p>
 
<mekorot>
 
<mekorot>
<multilink><aht source="RambanBemidbar16-21">R. Chananel</aht><aht source="RambanBemidbar16-21">Cited by Ramban Bemidbar 16:21</aht><aht parshan="R. Chananel" /></multilink><fn>This interpretation is cited by Ramban who apparently obtained a copy of R. Chananel's commentary only upon his arrival in Israel. This passage is one of Ramban's Eretz Yisrael additions to his commentary. For further discussion, see <aht page="Commentators:Ramban's Updates">Ramban's Updates</aht>, and specifically <aht page="Commentators:Ramban's Updates/Bemidbar#BEM16-21">Ramban Bemidbar 16:21</aht>.</fn>,  
+
<multilink><a href="RambanBemidbar16-21" data-aht="source">R. Chananel</a><a href="RambanBemidbar16-21" data-aht="source">Cited by Ramban Bemidbar 16:21</a><a href="R. Chananel b. Chushiel" data-aht="parshan">About R. Chananel b. Chushiel</a></multilink><fn>This interpretation is cited by Ramban who apparently obtained a copy of R. Chananel's commentary only upon his arrival in Israel. This passage is one of Ramban's Eretz Yisrael additions to his commentary. For further discussion, see <a href="Commentators:Ramban's Updates" data-aht="page">Ramban's Updates</a>, and specifically <a href="Commentators:Ramban's Updates/Bemidbar#BEM16-21" data-aht="page">Ramban Bemidbar 16:21</a>.</fn>, <multilink><a href="RYBSBemidbar16-19" data-aht="source">R. Yosef Bekhor Shor</a><a href="RYBSBemidbar16-19" data-aht="source">Bemidbar 16:19,22</a><a href="R. Yosef Bekhor Shor" data-aht="parshan">About R. Yosef Bekhor Shor</a></multilink>, <multilink><a href="RBachyaBemidbar16-19" data-aht="source">R. Bachya</a><a href="RBachyaBemidbar16-19" data-aht="source">Bemidbar 16:19,21</a><a href="R. Bachya b. Asher" data-aht="parshan">About R. Bachya b. Asher</a></multilink>, <multilink><a href="SfornoBemidbar16-22" data-aht="source">Sforno</a><a href="SfornoBemidbar16-22" data-aht="source">Bemidbar 16:22,24,26</a><a href="R. Ovadyah Sforno" data-aht="parshan">About R. Ovadyah Sforno</a></multilink>, <multilink><a href="KeliYekarBemidbar16-21" data-aht="source">Keli Yekar</a><a href="KeliYekarBemidbar16-21" data-aht="source">Bemidbar 16:21,23-24</a><a href="R. Shelomo Ephraim Luntschitz (Keli Yekar)" data-aht="parshan">About R. Shelomo Ephraim Luntschitz</a></multilink>, <multilink><a href="ShadalBemidbar16-19" data-aht="source">Shadal</a><a href="ShadalBemidbar16-19" data-aht="source">Bemidbar 16:19, 21</a><a href="R. Shemuel David Luzzatto (Shadal)" data-aht="parshan">About R. S.D. Luzzatto</a></multilink>
<multilink><aht source="RYBSBemidbar16-19">R. Yosef Bekhor Shor</aht><aht source="RYBSBemidbar16-19">Bemidbar 16:19,22</aht><aht parshan="R. Yosef Bekhor Shor" /></multilink>,  
 
<multilink><aht source="RBachyaBemidbar16-19">R. Bachya</aht><aht source="RBachyaBemidbar16-19">Bemidbar 16:19,21</aht><aht parshan="R. Bachya b. Asher" /></multilink>,  
 
<multilink><aht source="SefornoBemidbar16-22">Seforno</aht><aht source="SefornoBemidbar16-22">Bemidbar 16:22,24,26</aht><aht parshan="R. Ovadyah Seforno" /></multilink>,  
 
<multilink><aht source="KeliYakarBemidbar16-21">Keli Yakar</aht><aht source="KeliYakarBemidbar16-21">Bemidbar 16:21,23-24</aht><aht parshan="Keli Yakar">About R. Shelomo Lunshitz</aht></multilink>,
 
<multilink><aht source="ShadalBemidbar16-19">Shadal</aht><aht source="ShadalBemidbar16-19">Bemidbar 16:19, 21</aht><aht parshan="Shadal">About R. S.D. Luzzatto</aht></multilink>
 
 
</mekorot>
 
</mekorot>
<point><b>"וַיַּקְהֵל עֲלֵיהֶם קֹרַח אֶת כָּל הָעֵדָה"</b> – R"Y Bekhor Shor, R. Bachya, and the Keli Yakar assert that the word "עֵדָה" refers to the entire nation of Israel<fn>This would appear to be the simple reading of the verses, as verse 18 already speaks of the assembly of the 250 men so it would be redundant to repeat that Korach gathered his own men.</fn> and that Korach gathered the various tribes in an attempt to convince them to join his camp. Alternatively, this position could assert that the verse is referring only to the 250 men ("הָעֵדָה" = עדת קרח).</point>
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<point><b>"וַיַּקְהֵל עֲלֵיהֶם קֹרַח אֶת כָּל הָעֵדָה" in verse 19</b><ul>
<point><b>Did the nation sin?</b> R"Y Bekhor Shor explains that the nation did not participate in the sin.  According to R. Bachya, in contrast, the nation was persuaded by Korach to join the rebellion.<fn>Keli Yakar leaves the question open, suggesting that though Korach attempted to sway the nation, they might not have agreed to support him. He suggests that Moshe initially did not think that the nation sided with Korach; only after misunderstanding that Hashem wanted to destroy them did he think that maybe the nation had indeed sinned.</fn></point>
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<li><b>250 men</b> – This approach would work well with the option<fn>Cf. Ralbag below.</fn> that verse 19 describes Korach assembling only his 250 men (&#8207;"הָעֵדָה"&#8207; = עדת קרח)&#8206;.<fn>As the gathering of Korach's followers was mentioned already in verse 18, this position would need to assert that verse 19 is a recapitulation.</fn> The term "הָעֵדָה" throughout verses 19-21 would then consistently refer to the same group.<fn>Various forms of the word "עדה" refer to Korach's assembly also in verses 5-6, 11, 16 (and perhaps verse 3 as well). According to this approach, it is only due to his misunderstanding of Hashem's usage, that Moshe employs the term "הָעֵדָה" in verse 22 to refer to the entire nation of Israel, and Hashem then reflects Moshe's usage in verse 24. Cf. the position of the Melekhet Machshevet below which interprets "הָעֵדָה" to mean Korach's followers in these verses as well.</fn></li>
<point><b>Hashem's initial plan</b> – This approach maintains that Hashem never meant to destroy the whole nation. When Hashem said, "הִבָּדְלוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה", He was referring just to the congregation of Korach,<fn>Ramban understands R. Chananel to be saying that Hashem was referring specifically to Korach, Datan and Aviram, and not the 250 people. He, thus, questions whether three people can really be referred to as an "עֵדָה". It is not clear, though, why one would be compelled to read R. Chananel in this manner and it is likely that R. Chananel was referring to the entire camp of Korach, including the 250 men.</fn> not the nation of Israel.</point>
+
<li><b>Entire people</b> – R"Y Bekhor Shor, R. Bachya, and the Keli Yekar, however, all assert that the word "הָעֵדָה" refers to the whole nation of Israel,<fn>This would appear to be the simple reading of verse 19, as verse 18 already spoke of the 250 men's assembly at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, and it would thus be redundant to repeat this information in verse 19. According to this interpretation, the term "הָעֵדָה" ("the congregation") is employed throughout most of the chapter to refer only to the nation at large, while Korach's group is referred to as "Korach's congregation" ("עֲדָתוֹ", "עֲדָתְךָ"). However, verse 21 is the somewhat problematic exception to this rule – see below.</fn> and that Korach gathered the various tribes in an attempt to convince them to join his camp.</li>
<point><b>Moshe's request</b> – Moshe misunderstood Hashem, thinking that God wanted to destroy all of Israel and, thus, requested that they be spared.
+
</ul></point>
<ul>
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<point><b>Did the nation sin?</b> If verse 19 refers only to Korach's group, there is no indication whatsoever that the nation at large committed an offense. Such a possibility exists only according to those commentators who think that verse 19 refers to the entire nation. These are split, with R"Y Bekhor Shor positing that the nation gathered merely to observe but did not participate in the sin, and R. Bachya opining that the nation was persuaded by Korach to support his rebellion.<fn>The Keli Yekar leaves the question open, suggesting that though Korach attempted to sway the nation, they might not have agreed to support him. He suggests that Moshe initially did not think that the nation sided with Korach; only after misunderstanding that Hashem wanted to destroy them did he think that maybe the nation had indeed sinned.</fn></point>
<li>If one assumes, like R"Y Bekhor Shor, that the nation was innocent, Moshe was apparently arguing that only Korach sinned so it would be unjust if the others were punished.<fn>See R. Yosef Bekhor Shor who echoes the Tanchuma, having Moshe argue that since God can distinguish between the innocent and the guilty, He should only punish the blameworthy.</fn> </li>
+
<point><b>Hashem's initial plan ("הִבָּדְלוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה הַזֹּאת וַאֲכַלֶּה אֹתָם")</b> – This approach maintains that Hashem never contemplated destroying the whole nation. When Hashem said, "הִבָּדְלוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה", He was referring to the congregation of Korach only,<fn>Ramban understands R. Chananel to be saying that Hashem was referring specifically to Korach, Datan, and Aviram, and not the 250 people. He, thus, questions whether three people can really be referred to as an "עֵדָה". However, it is unclear why one would be compelled to read R. Chananel in this manner, and it is likely that R. Chananel was referring to the entire camp of Korach, including the 250 men (and this would obviate some of Ramban's objections).</fn> and not the nation of Israel.<fn>As noted above, this works well if one takes the approach that "הָעֵדָה" refers to the 250 men in verse 19 as well, as there is then some consistency in its usage. However, according to the commentators who read "הָעֵדָה" in verse 19 as speaking of the whole nation, it is difficult to understand why Hashem in verse 21 would employ the term to refer to Korach's group (and thereby cause Moshe's confusion), while the other seven occurrences of the word in the chapter would be speaking of the entire nation.</fn></point>
<li>If one asserts, like R. Bachya, that the nation did join the rebellion, then one must suggest that Moshe was pleading that only the inciter to rebellion should be punished, not those foolish enough to follow him.<fn>See Keli Yakar who suggests a comparison to the sin of Miryam and Aharon against Moshe. There, only Miryam who began the defamatory speech was punished, while Aharon who just followed her lead, was spared.</fn></li>
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<point><b>Moshe's plea (&#8207;"וְעַל כׇּל הָעֵדָה תִּקְצֹף?"&#8207;)</b> – Moshe misunderstood and thought that Hashem wanted to destroy all of Israel and, thus, he requested that they be spared.<fn>Cf. the parallel verse in Yehoshua 22:20 "וְעַל כָּל עֲדַת יִשְׂרָאֵל הָיָה קָצֶף וְהוּא אִישׁ אֶחָד" which speaks of the entire nation.</fn>
</ul>
+
<ul>
</point>
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<li>If one assumes, like R"Y Bekhor Shor, that the rest of the nation was innocent, Moshe was arguing that only Korach and his followers sinned so it would be unjust if the others were punished.<fn>See R. Yosef Bekhor Shor who echoes the Tanchuma, having Moshe argue that since God can distinguish between the innocent and the guilty, He should only punish the blameworthy.</fn> </li>
<point><b>Hashem's response</b> – Hashem corrects Moshe's mistake, clarifying that when He said "הִבָּדְלוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה", He meant "הֵעָלוּ מִסָּבִיב לְמִשְׁכַּן קֹרַח דָּתָן וַאֲבִירָם".</point>
+
<li>If one asserts, like R. Bachya, that much of the nation did join the rebellion, then one must suggest that Moshe was pleading that only the inciter to rebellion should be punished, not those foolish enough to follow him.<fn>See the Keli Yekar who suggests a comparison to the sin of Miryam and Aharon against Moshe. There, only Miryam who initiated the defamatory speech was punished, while Aharon, who just followed her lead, was spared.</fn></li>
<point><b>Can Hashem change His mind?</b> According to this approach, Hashem is consistent and does not regret his initial decisions. In fact, discomfort with the possibility that Hashem might have initially "erred" or desired to do something that He would later regret, might be one of the motivations for this whole approach.</point>
+
</ul></point>
<point><b>Is collective punishment just?</b> According to this position, God never meant to collectively punish the nation.<fn>According to those who suggest that the nation was innocent, this is what Moshe fears God is to do, and what he argues against, but it is not God's plan. Here, too, commentators might be driven by a desire to not have God even potentially desire to collectively punish the nation.</fn></point>
+
<point><b>Hashem's response</b> – Hashem corrects Moshe's mistake, clarifying that when He said "הִבָּדְלוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה", He meant only "הֵעָלוּ מִסָּבִיב לְמִשְׁכַּן קֹרַח דָּתָן וַאֲבִירָם".</point>
<point><b>Can a prophet err?</b> This approach must explain how it is possible for a prophet, especially one of the stature of Moshe, to err in his understanding of God. Is it not problematic that a prophet might mistakenly interpret the Divine word? None of the commentators address the question explicitly, but they might maintain that even a prophet is human and occasionally makes mistakes.  It is not an issue, as long as God corrects him.<fn>It is possible that these commentators might also be uncomfortable with the idea that Moshe might blunder, but given a choice between Hashem "erring" and being convinced to change his mind by Moshe, or Moshe erring and Hashem correcting him, they prefer the latter.</fn></point>
+
<point><b>Can Hashem change His mind?</b> According to this approach, Hashem is consistent and does not regret his initial decisions. Discomfort with the possibility that Hashem might have initially "erred" or desired to do something that He would later regret, may be one of the motivations for this whole approach.</point>
<!--
+
<point><b>Is collective punishment just?</b> According to this position, Hashem never meant to collectively punish the nation.<fn>According to those who suggest that the nation was innocent, this is only what Moshe fears Hashem plans to do and what he argues against, but is not Hashem's intention. Here, too, commentators might be driven by a desire to not have God even potentially contemplate collectively punishing the nation.</fn> For more on collective punishment, see <a href="Are Children Punished for Parents' Sins" data-aht="page">Are Children Punished for Parents' Sins</a>.</point>
<point><b>Crux of the position</b> </point>
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<point><b>Can a prophet err?</b> This approach must explain how it is possible for a prophet, especially one of the stature of Moshe, to err in his understanding of the Divine word?<fn>See Ramban's objection: "וחלילה שלא יבין משה נבואתו ויטעה בה".</fn> None of these commentators address this question explicitly,<fn>It is possible that even if they have discomfort with the notion of Moshe erring, they prefer this to the alternative that Hashem "erred" or was convinced to change His mind by Moshe.</fn> but they apparently maintain that even a prophet like Moshe is human and might occasionally misunderstand Hashem.<fn>See Sforno Bemidbar 14:13,20 where he suggests similarly.</fn> For elaboration and other examples, see <a href="Moshe" data-aht="page">Moshe – Overview</a>.</point>
-->
 
 
</category>
 
</category>
<category name="">Hashem Changed His Mind
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<category>Hashem Changed His Mind
<p>Hashem and Moshe disagreed regarding Hashem's plans for punishment, and Moshe persuaded Hashem to change His mind. This position subdivides regarding the motivation for the shift and the substance of Moshe's argument:</p>
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<p>Hashem's original plan would have led to the entire nation being punished, but Moshe persuaded Hashem to shift course. This position subdivides regarding the motivation for Hashem's change of heart and the substance of Moshe's argument:</p>
<opinion name="">Rescinded Collective Punishment Decree
+
<opinion name="Rescinded Collective Punishment">
<p>Moshe argued with God on philosophical grounds, convincing Him not to collectively punish the innocent with the guilty.</p>
+
Rescinded Decree of Collective Punishment
 +
<p>Moshe argued with Hashem on moral and philosophical grounds, convincing Him not to collectively punish the innocent with the guilty.</p>
 
<mekorot>
 
<mekorot>
<multilink><aht source="TanchumaKorach7">Tanchuma</aht><aht source="TanchumaKorach7">Korach 7</aht><aht parshan="Tanchuma">About the Tanchuma</aht></multilink>,  
+
<multilink><a href="TanchumaKorach7" data-aht="source">Tanchuma</a><a href="TanchumaKorach7" data-aht="source">Korach 7</a><a href="Tanchuma" data-aht="parshan">About the Tanchuma</a></multilink>,  
<multilink><aht source="RashiBemidbar16-19">Rashi</aht><aht source="RashiBemidbar16-19">Bemidbar 16:19,22</aht><aht parshan="Rashi">About R. Shelomo Yitzchaki</aht></multilink>,  
+
<multilink><a href="RashiBemidbar16-19" data-aht="source">Rashi</a><a href="RashiBemidbar16-19" data-aht="source">Bemidbar 16:19,22</a><a href="R. Shelomo Yitzchaki (Rashi)" data-aht="parshan">About R. Shelomo Yitzchaki</a></multilink>,  
<multilink><aht source="RalbagBemidbar16-19">Ralbag</aht><aht source="RalbagBemidbar16-19">Bemidbar 16:19,22</aht><aht source="RalbagBemidbar16T6">Bemidbar 16, Toelot 6-8</aht><aht parshan="Ralbag">About R. Levi b. Gershon</aht></multilink>,
+
<multilink><a href="RalbagBemidbar16-19" data-aht="source">Ralbag</a><a href="RalbagBemidbar16-19" data-aht="source">Bemidbar 16:19,22</a><a href="RalbagBemidbar16T6" data-aht="source">Bemidbar 16, Toelot 6-8</a><a href="R. Levi b. Gershom (Ralbag, Gersonides)" data-aht="parshan">About R. Levi b. Gershom</a></multilink>,
<multilink><aht source="Akeidat78">Akeidat Yitzchak</aht><aht source="Akeidat78q9">Number 78 Questions 9-10</aht><aht source="Akeidat78">Number 78</aht><aht parshan="Akeidat Yitzchak">About R. Yitzchak Arama</aht></multilink>
+
<multilink><a href="Akeidat78" data-aht="source">Akeidat Yitzchak</a><a href="Akeidat78q9" data-aht="source">Number 78 Questions 9-10</a><a href="Akeidat78" data-aht="source">Number 78</a><a href="R. Yitzchak Arama (Akeidat Yitzchak)" data-aht="parshan">About R. Yitzchak Arama</a></multilink>
 
</mekorot>
 
</mekorot>
<point><b>"וַיַּקְהֵל עֲלֵיהֶם קֹרַח אֶת כָּל הָעֵדָה"</b>
+
<point><b>"וַיַּקְהֵל עֲלֵיהֶם קֹרַח אֶת כָּל הָעֵדָה" in verse 19</b><ul>
<ul>
+
<li><b>Entire nation</b> – According to most of these commentators, the term "עֵדָה" in this verse refers to the Children of Israel and not the 250 men.<fn>See above that this would appear to be the simple reading of verse 19, as verse 18 already spoke of the 250 men's assembly at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, and it would thus be redundant to repeat this information in verse 19. Additionally, according to this approach, all eight usages of the term "הָעֵדָה" ("the congregation") in the chapter would consistently refer to the nation at large, with Korach's 250 men being called specifically "Korach's congregation" ("עֲדָתוֹ", "עֲדָתְךָ").</fn> Korach had gathered all of the various tribes to persuade them to side with him against Moshe.</li>
<li><b>Nation</b> – According to most of these commentators, the term "עֵדָה" in this verse refers to the Children of Israel and not the 250 men of Korach. Korach had gathered the various tribes to persuade them to side with him against Moshe. </li>
+
<li><b>250 men</b> – Ralbag suggests, in contrast, that the word refers to Korach's congregation,<fn>Since verse 18 already mentions the assembly of men, Ralbag would have to posit either that verse 18 is achronological or read verse 19 as a summation.</fn> and not the larger nation. Korach had to actively reassemble his 250 followers, since many were afraid and hesitant to participate in the incense test and had thus dispersed.</li>
<li><b>Korach's men</b> – Ralbag suggests, in contrast, that the word refers to Korach's congregation,<fn>Since verse 18 already mentions the assembly of men, Ralbag would have to posit either that verse 18 is achronological or read this verse as a summary sentence.</fn> and not the larger nation. Korach had to actively gather them since many were afraid and hesitant to participate in the incense test.</li>
+
</ul></point>
</ul>
+
<point><b>Did the nation sin?</b><ul>
</point>
+
<li><b>Yes</b> – According to Tanchuma and Rashi, Korach managed to persuade the nation to join his rebellion. They maintain, though, that some portion of the nation still refused to participate in the sin.<fn>Both sources are somewhat confusing since they assert in their earlier comments that Korach incited the people "עד שנתפתו כלם". Later, though, in their explanation of Moshe's argument with Hashem, it becomes evident that at least part of the nation did not sin.</fn></li>
<point><b>Did the nation sin?</b>
+
<li><b>No</b> – Ralbag and the Akeidat Yitzchak assert that the nation did not sin.<fn>According to the Akeidat Yitzchak, although Korach had attempted to sway the people, the arrival of Hashem's presence instilled a fear of God upon them so that they remained silent. He is hesitant to say that the nation actively sinned, as this would have prevented Moshe from honestly claiming "הָאִישׁ אֶחָד יֶחֱטָא וְעַל כׇּל הָעֵדָה תִּקְצֹף"?</fn></li>
<ul>
+
</ul></point>
<li><b>Yes</b> – According to Tanchuma and Rashi, Korach managed to persuade the nation to join his rebellion. They maintain, though, that some portion of the nation still refused to participate in the sin.<fn>Both sources are somewhat confusing since they assert in their earlier comments that Korach incited the people עד שנתפתו כלם.  Later, though, when Moshe argues with God, it becomes evident that at least some of the nation did not sin.</fn></li>
+
<point><b>Hashem's initial plan ("הִבָּדְלוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה הַזֹּאת וַאֲכַלֶּה אֹתָם")</b><ul>
<li><b>No</b> – Ralbag and Akeidat Yitzchak assert that the nation remained innocent.<fn>According to Akeidat Yitzchak, though Korach had attempted to sway the people, the arrival of God's presence instilled a fear of God upon them so that they remained silent. He is hesitant to say that the nation actively sinned, for then, how could Moshe honestly question "הָאִישׁ אֶחָד יֶחֱטָא"?</fn></li>
+
<li><b>Collective punishment</b> – Hashem is referring to the Congregation of Israel.<fn>This possibility is supported by the almost identical formulation in 17:10 "הֵרֹמּוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה הַזֹּאת וַאֲכַלֶּה אֹתָם כְּרָגַע" which clearly refers to the entire nation.</fn> Even though the nation (or, according to Tanchuma and Rashi, a portion of the nation) was innocent and did not play any role in the rebellion, Hashem planned on punishing them collectively along with the rebels.</li>
</ul>
+
<li><b>Collateral damage</b> – According to the Akeidat Yitzchak, in contrast, Hashem was planning on actively punishing only Korach and his men (&#8207;"הָעֵדָה"&#8207; = עדת קרח). Nonetheless, Hashem was not planning on preventing the nation from suffering any collateral damage the punishment might cause.<fn>The later verse (16:26), "וַיְדַבֵּר אֶל הָעֵדָה לֵאמֹר סוּרוּ נָא מֵעַל אׇהֳלֵי הָאֲנָשִׁים הָרְשָׁעִים... פֶּן תִּסָּפוּ בְּכׇל חַטֹּאתָם" might further support this read, as it suggests that the reason to separate is lest the people get caught up in the punishment of the sinners.</fn> Thus, Hashem originally told only Moshe and Aharon to separate from the rebels (and thereby be protected from sharing their fate), but did not instruct the nation as a whole to do the same.</li>
</point>
+
</ul></point>
<point><b>Hashem's initial plan</b>  
+
<point><b>Moshe's plea (&#8207;"וְעַל כׇּל הָעֵדָה תִּקְצֹף?"&#8207;)</b> – Moshe is arguing against collective punishment. According to the Tanchuma, Rashi, and Ralbag, he is challenging the fundamental principle, contending that it is unfair to punish the innocent along with the guilty.<fn>According to this interpretation, Moshe's words parallel Avraham's plea to save Sedom "חָלִלָה לְּךָ מֵעֲשֹׂת כַּדָּבָר הַזֶּה לְהָמִית צַדִּיק עִם רָשָׁע וְהָיָה כַצַּדִּיק כָּרָשָׁע חָלִלָה לָּךְ הֲשֹׁפֵט כָּל הָאָרֶץ לֹא יַעֲשֶׂה מִשְׁפָּט". In fact, in explaining Moshe's argument, Ralbag even places Avraham's words into Moshe's mouth, having him tell Hashem "חלילה לך מעשות זאת". From Rashi, it seems as if Moshe is requesting that even some of the guilty be saved (regarding whether Avraham also attempted to save sinners, see <a href="Avraham's Prayer for Sedom" data-aht="page">Avraham's Prayer for Sedom</a>), and that only Korach himself be punished. Thus, he interprets the words "הָאִישׁ אֶחָד יֶחֱטָא" literally, as referring to Korach the individual. According to Ralbag and the Akeidat Yitzchak, in contrast, the phrase refers to "Korach's congregation", while according to the Tanchuma it is even broader in meaning and refers to all those who sinned.</fn> For the Akeidat Yitzchak, in contrast, even Moshe is not objecting to the concept per se, but rather only claiming that it should not be applied in this particular instance, since Korach had defied Moshe's authority and separated himself from the collective.<fn>See below that the Akeidat Yitzchak himself believes that collective punishment is just.</fn></point>
<ul>
+
<point><b>Hashem's response and the principle of collective punishment</b> – All of these commentators maintain that, in the end, Hashem acquiesced to Moshe's request and changed His original plan. Tanchuma and Rashi present Moshe as convincing Hashem that collective punishment is not just. According to both Ralbag and the Akeidat Yitzchak, though, Hashem does not retract the principle of collective punishment,<fn>Both of these exegetes are not personally troubled by the concept, but rather view it as a principle by which God leads the world, so it is natural that they present Hashem as not fundamentally agreeing with a complaint against it. According to Ralbag, collective punishment is built into Hashem's manner of providence. All members of a collective which merits Hashem's providence will suffer if that providence is removed due to the sin of just one or a few. For the Akeidat Yitzchak, when there are parts of one whole, it is only logical that one section might suffer due to another, just as one part of the body suffers when another part is harmed. Moreover, he asserts that this is Hashem's general modus operandi, as is manifest from cases such as the Sin of the Golden Calf or the Sin at Shittim. Thus, he says it would be strange for Moshe to suddenly here question its legitimacy.</fn> but simply does not apply it in this case.<fn>For analysis of the various positions regarding collective punishment, see <a href="Are Children Punished for Parents' Sins" data-aht="page">Are Children Punished for Parents' Sins</a>.</fn></point>
<li><b>Collective punishment</b> – Even though the nation (or, according to Tanchuma and Rashi, a portion of the nation) was innocent, and did not play any role in the rebellion, Hashem planned on punishing them collectively along with the rebels. When Hashem says,"הִבָּדְלוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה הַזֹּאת וַאֲכַלֶּה אֹתָם" he is referring to the Congregation of Israel.<fn>Cf.other cases such as the Sin of the Golden Calf or the Sin at Shittim, where Hashem similarly aims to or actually punishes the collective for the sins of the few.</fn></li>
+
<point><b>"הֵעָלוּ מִסָּבִיב לְמִשְׁכַּן קֹרַח דָּתָן וַאֲבִירָם"</b> – Ralbag and Akeidat Yitzchak differ in their understandings of the purpose of this directive:
<li><b>Collateral damage</b> – According to Akeidat Yitzchak, in contrast, Hashem was planning on actively punishing only Korach and his men (עדת קרח=עֵדָה).  Nonetheless, Hashem was not planning on preventing the nation from suffering from any collateral damage the punishment might cause.<fn> The later verse, וַיְדַבֵּר אֶל הָעֵדָה לֵאמֹר סוּרוּ נָא מֵעַל אׇהֳלֵי הָאֲנָשִׁים הָרְשָׁעִים... פֶּן תִּסָּפוּ בְּכׇל חַטֹּאתָם might further support this read as it suggests that the reason to separate is lest the people get caught up in the punishment of the sinners.</fn> Thus, Hashem told only Moshe and Aharon to separate from the rebels (and thereby be protected from sharing their fate), but did not say the same to the nation as a whole.</li>
+
<ul>
</ul>
+
<li><b>Preventative</b> – According to Ralbag, since collective punishment is by nature what happens to a united group when one part sins and causes Hashem's providence to depart, Hashem needed to break up the collective. He, thus, commands Moshe to tell the nation, "הֵעָלוּ מִסָּבִיב לְמִשְׁכַּן קֹרַח דָּתָן וַאֲבִירָם", to separate themselves, and thus not be caught in the punishment of Korach's followers.</li>
</point>
+
<li><b>Corrective</b> – The Akeidat Yitzchak views these latter words of Hashem as modifying His original statement, "הִבָּדְלוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה". Hashem had originally told only Moshe and Aharon to separate from Korach's congregation, but He now extends this warning to the rest of the nation ("דַּבֵּר אֶל הָעֵדָה") so that they can all distance themselves and be saved.<fn>He adds that this is the logic in excommunicating an egregious sinner. By distancing themselves from the evildoer, the rest of the congregation is saved from being punished along with him.</fn></li>
<point><b>Moshe's request</b> – Moshe is arguing against collective punishment.  According to Tanchuma, Rashi and Ralbag, he is attacking the fundamental principle, telling God that it is unfair to punish the innocent along with the guilty.<fn>Moshe, thus, becomes very similar to Avraham in his pleas to save Sedom. In explaining Moshe's argument, Ralbag even puts Avraham's words into Moshe's mouth, having him tell Hashem "חלילה לך מעשות זאת".  From Rashi, it seems as if Moshe is requesting that even some of the guilty be saved, and only Korach himself be punished. He can thus, read the words "הָאִישׁ אֶחָד יֶחֱטָא" to literally refer to Korach. According to Ralbag and Akeidat Yitzchak, in contrast, the words would refer to "Korach's congregation" while according to Tanchuma they wold be even broader in meaning and refer to all those who sinned.</fn> According to Akeidat Yitzchak, in contrast, Moshe does not object to the concept, but claims that it should not be applied in this particular instance since Korach, by challenging Moshe's authority, had removed himself from the collective.<fn>Akeidat Yitchak himself believes that collective punishment is just. If are part of one whole, it is logical that one section might suffer due to another,just as one part of the body might suffer when another part is harmed. Moreover, he asserts that this is God's general working attitude so it would be illogical for Moshe to argue about it on a fundamental level.  For more about Akeidat Yitzchak and collective punishment see <aht page="Are Children Punished for Parents' Sins">Are Children Punished for Parents' Sins</aht>.</fn></point>
+
</ul></point>
<point><b>Hashem's response</b> – All of these commentators maintain that Hashem in the end acquiesced to Moshe's request and changed His original plan.  According to both Ralbag and Akeidat Yitzchak, though, Hashem does not retract the principle,<fn>According to Ralbag, collective punishment is built into God's manner of providence. A collective that merits God' providence will all suffer if that providence is removed due to the sin of just one or a few.</fn> but simply does not apply it in this case.</point>  
+
<point><b>Can Hashem change His mind?</b> According to the Tanchuma and Rashi, Hashem simply accepted Moshe's argument and changed His course of action.<fn>Cf. Devarim Rabbah 5:13, Bemidbar Rabbah 19:33, and Shemot Rabbah 19:3 which list other cases where Hashem changed His policies or course of action as a result of Moshe's argumentation.</fn> Ralbag and the Akeidat Yitzchak, though, present more rationalist understandings. Ralbag explains that due to the closeness of the prophet to Hashem, his intercession can impact Divine providence, while according to the Akeidat Yitzchak the nation's action in distancing themselves from Korach is what brought about the change result.<fn>There remains a separate question regarding the change in Hashem's instructions to Moshe.</fn></point>
<point><b>"הֵעָלוּ מִסָּבִיב לְמִשְׁכַּן קֹרַח דָּתָן וַאֲבִירָם"</b> – Ralbag and Akeidat Yitzchak differ in their understanding of the purpose of this directive:
+
<point><b>Can a prophet err?</b> The Akeidat Yitzchak argues against the possibility that Moshe could possibly have erred in understanding Hashem's words.<fn>See the Akeidat Yitzchak's formulation: "והוא מגונה שיאמר זה על שום נביא, כל שכן על רבן של נביאים שאי אפשר שיפול במה שיגיע אליו מהנבואה שום ספק".</fn> Discomfort with this notion may be one of the main motivating factors for this position.</point>
<ul>
+
</opinion>
<li><b>Preventative</b> – According to Ralbag, since collective punishment is by nature what happens to a united group when one part sins and causes God's providence to depart, Hashem needed to break up the collective so as to prevent it. He, thus, commands Moshe to tell the nation, "הֵעָלוּ מִסָּבִיב לְמִשְׁכַּן קֹרַח דָּתָן וַאֲבִירָם", to separate themselves from the collective, and thus not be caught in the punishment.</li>
+
<opinion>Pardoned Even the Undeserving
<li><b>Correction</b> – Akeidat Yitchak views Hashem's words "דַּבֵּר אֶל הָעֵדָה לֵאמֹר הֵעָלוּ מִסָּבִיב לְמִשְׁכַּן קֹרַח דָּתָן וַאֲבִירָם" as correcting His original statement, "הִבָּדְלוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה".  Hashem had originally told only Moshe and Aharon to separate from Korach's congregation, but now tells the whole nation (דַּבֵּר אֶל הָעֵדָה) to protect themselves.</li>
+
<p>Moshe made an emotional argument before Hashem, appealing on humanitarian grounds to God's mercy and asking that He forgo punishing the nation even though they had sinned.<fn>The placement and categorization of this position depends on how the issue is framed. From Hashem's perspective, this opinion is similar to the preceding one ("Rescinded Collective Punishment"), in that both understand Hashem to be changing course midstream. However, from the perspective of Moshe, this opinion is closer to the following one ("Hashem Rejected Moshe's Plea"), as both of these view Moshe as appealing for mercy rather than strict justice (this second method of organization is reflected in the Overview above).</fn></p>
</ul>
 
</point>
 
<point><b>Can Hashem change His mind?</b>  </point>
 
<point><b>Is collective punishment just?</b> Tanchuma and Rashi present Moshe as convincing Hashem that it is not just and Hashem agreeing. Ralbag and Akeidat Yitzchak, in contrast, have Hashem simply not apply the principle, but not agree that it is fundamentally wrong.<fn>Both these exegetes are not personally troubled by the concept and see it as a principle by which God leads the world, so it is logical that they present Hashem as not fundamentally agreeing with a complaint against it.</fn></point>
 
<point><b>Can a prophet err?</b>  The Akeidat Yitzchak argues against the possibility that Moshe could possibly have erred in understanding Hashem's words.<fn>See Akeidat Yitzchak who says, "והוא מגונה שיאמר זה על שום נביא, כל שכן על רבן של נביאים שאי אפשר שיפול במה שיגיע אליו מהנבואה שום ספק".</fn> Discomfort with this notion may be one of the main motivating factors for this position.</point>
 
<!--
 
<point><b>Crux of the position</b> – </point>
 
-->
 
</opinion>
 
<opinion name="">Mercy Even Upon the Undeserving
 
<p>Moshe made an emotional argument before God, appealing on humanitarian grounds to Hashem's mercy and asking that He forgo punishing even those who had sinned.</p>
 
 
<mekorot>
 
<mekorot>
<multilink><aht source="RambanBemidbar16-21">Ramban</aht><aht source="RambanBemidbar16-21">Bemidbar 16:21</aht><aht parshan="Ramban">About R. Moshe Nachmanides</aht></multilink>,<fn>Ramban's commentary on this verse was augmented significantly upon his arrival in Israel. For further discussion, see <aht page="Commentators:Ramban's Updates">Ramban's Updates</aht>, and specifically <aht page="Commentators:Ramban's Updates/Bemidbar#BEM16-21">Ramban Bemidbar 16:21</aht>.</fn>
+
<multilink><a href="RambanBemidbar16-21" data-aht="source">Ramban</a><a href="RambanBemidbar16-21" data-aht="source">Bemidbar 16:21</a><a href="R. Moshe b. Nachman (Ramban, Nachmanides)" data-aht="parshan">About R. Moshe Nachmanides</a></multilink>,<fn>Ramban's commentary on this verse was augmented significantly upon his arrival in Israel. For further discussion, see <a href="Commentators:Ramban's Updates" data-aht="page">Ramban's Updates</a>, and specifically <a href="Commentators:Ramban's Updates/Bemidbar#BEM16-21" data-aht="page">Ramban Bemidbar 16:21</a>.</fn>
<multilink><aht source="AbarbanelBemidbar16">Abarbanel</aht><aht source="AbarbanelBemidbar16q13">Bemidbar 16, Question 13</aht><aht source="AbarbanelBemidbar16">Bemidbar 16</aht><aht parshan="Abarbanel">About R. Yitzchak Abarbanel</aht></multilink>,  
+
<multilink><a href="AbarbanelBemidbar16" data-aht="source">Abarbanel</a><a href="AbarbanelBemidbar16Q13" data-aht="source">Bemidbar 16, Question 13</a><a href="AbarbanelBemidbar16" data-aht="source">Bemidbar 16</a><a href="R. Yitzchak Abarbanel" data-aht="parshan">About R. Yitzchak Abarbanel</a></multilink>,  
<multilink><aht source="RHirschBemidbar16-19">R. S"R Hirsch</aht><aht source="RHirschBemidbar16-19">Bemidbar 16:19</aht><aht source="RHirschBemidbar16-21">Bemidbar 16:21,22,24</aht><aht parshan="R. S&quot;R Hirsch" /></multilink>,  
+
<multilink><a href="RHirschBemidbar16-19" data-aht="source">R. S"R Hirsch</a><a href="RHirschBemidbar16-19" data-aht="source">Bemidbar 16:19</a><a href="RHirschBemidbar16-21" data-aht="source">Bemidbar 16:21,22,24</a><a href="R. Samson Raphael Hirsch" data-aht="parshan">About R. S"R Hirsch</a></multilink>,  
<multilink><aht source="MalbimBemidbar16-20">Malbim</aht><aht source="MalbimBemidbar16-20">Bemidbar 16:20-26</aht><aht parshan="Malbim">About R. Meir Leibush Weiser</aht></multilink>
+
<multilink><a href="MalbimBemidbar16-20" data-aht="source">Malbim</a><a href="MalbimBemidbar16-20" data-aht="source">Bemidbar 16:20-26</a><a href="R. Meir Leibush Weiser (Malbim)" data-aht="parshan">About R. Meir Leibush Weiser</a></multilink>
 
</mekorot>
 
</mekorot>
<point><b>"וַיַּקְהֵל עֲלֵיהֶם קֹרַח אֶת כָּל הָעֵדָה"</b> – This position asserts that the term "עֵדָה" in this verse refers to the Children of Israel<fn>Ramban proposes that it refers specifically to the leaders of Israel or, according to Chazal, the firstborns who had previously been dedicated to the service of Hashem, and not to the entirety of Israel.</fn> and not the 250 men of Korach. Korach had assembled the nation to convince them to join the rebellion.</point>
+
<point><b>"וַיַּקְהֵל עֲלֵיהֶם קֹרַח אֶת כָּל הָעֵדָה" in verse 19</b> – This position asserts that the term "עֵדָה" in this verse refers to the Children of Israel,<fn>Ramban also offers an alternative that it refers specifically to the leaders of Israel or the firstborns who had previously been dedicated to the service of Hashem. Since according to Ramban (16:1), the 250 men were the firstborns, this last option comes very close to maintaining that "הָעֵדָה" refers to Korach's followers (cf. Ralbag above).</fn> and not the 250 men with Korach. Korach assembled the entire nation to convince them to join his rebellion.</point>
<point><b>Did the nation sin?</b> These commentators attribute varying degrees of guilt to the nation, suggesting either that they, too, had begun to question Moshe's authority, or that they were guilty of not protesting against Korach.</point>
+
<point><b>Did the nation sin?</b> These commentators attribute varying degrees of guilt to the nation, suggesting either that they, too, had begun to question Moshe's authority, or that they were guilty of not protesting against Korach.<fn>Cf. Midrash HaGadol Bemidbar 16:21.</fn></point>
<point><b>Hashem's initial plan</b> – According to all of these exegetes, when Hashem says "הִבָּדְלוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה הַזֹּאת וַאֲכַלֶּה אֹתָם", He is instructing Moshe and Aharon to distance themselves from the entire nation. Since the people had all participated in the sin, Hashem desired to punish them as well.</point>
+
<point><b>Hashem's initial plan ("הִבָּדְלוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה הַזֹּאת וַאֲכַלֶּה אֹתָם")</b> – According to all of these exegetes, Hashem is instructing Moshe and Aharon to distance themselves from the entire nation.<fn>Ramban notes that this option is supported by the almost identical formulation in 17:10 "הֵרֹמּוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה הַזֹּאת וַאֲכַלֶּה אֹתָם כְּרָגַע" which clearly refers to Moshe and Aharon separating from the rest of the nation.</fn> Since the people had all participated in the sin, Hashem desired to punish them as well.</point>
<point><b>Moshe's request</b> – Moshe's argument is not an intellectual one, as above, but an emotional one. He pleas that Hashem should have mercy on the (undeserving) nation.<fn>Ramban points to other cases, such as David, in which a leader does similarly.</fn> He attempts to mitigate the people's fault by pointing out that theirs was a sin of thought and not action. Moreover, he stresses that only Korach, the leader, was really culpable, since without him the nation would not have been persuaded to sin.</point>
+
<point><b>Moshe's plea (&#8207;"הָאִישׁ אֶחָד יֶחֱטָא וְעַל כׇּל הָעֵדָה תִּקְצֹף?"&#8207;)</b> – Moshe's argument is not a philosophical one, as above, but an emotional one. He pleas that Hashem should have mercy on the undeserving nation.<fn>Ramban points to other cases, such as David, in which a leader does similarly.</fn> He attempts to mitigate the people's fault by pointing out that it was a sin of thought and not action. Moreover, he stresses that only Korach was really culpable, since without him the nation would not have been persuaded to sin.</point>
<point><b>Hashem's response</b> – Hashem in the end agreed to Moshe's request, and changed His original plan. The commentators disagree regarding the intent of God's words, "הֵעָלוּ מִסָּבִיב לְמִשְׁכַּן קֹרַח דָּתָן וַאֲבִירָם":
+
<point><b>Hashem's response</b> – Hashem agrees to Moshe's request, and changes His original plan. The commentators disagree regarding the intent of Hashem's words, "הֵעָלוּ מִסָּבִיב לְמִשְׁכַּן קֹרַח דָּתָן וַאֲבִירָם" in verse 24:
 
<ul>
 
<ul>
<li><b>Correction</b> – Ramban reads Hashem's words as correcting His original statement, "הִבָּדְלוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה". Hashem was no longer planning on punishing the whole עדה, but just Korach, Datan and Aviram.</li>
+
<li><b>Correction</b> – Ramban reads Hashem's words as correcting His original statement, "הִבָּדְלוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה". Hashem was no longer planning on punishing the enitre "עֵדָה", but rather only Korach, Datan, and Aviram.</li>
<li><b>Demand for a show of loyalty</b> – Malbim and R. Hirsch,<fn>Abarbanel hints to this idea but does not say it explicitly.</fn> in contrast, assert that in these words Hashem is demanding that the nation actively show that they no longer support Korach by distancing themselves from him. Only with such an atoning act will they no longer deserve to share Korach's fate.</li>
+
<li><b>Demand for a show of loyalty</b> – Malbim and R. Hirsch,<fn>Abarbanel hints to this idea but does not say it explicitly.</fn> in contrast, assert that in verse 24, Hashem is demanding that the nation actively show that they no longer support Korach by distancing themselves from him. Only with such an atoning act will they no longer deserve to share Korach's fate.</li>
</ul>
+
</ul></point>
</point>
+
<point><b>Can Hashem change His mind?</b> This approach asserts that at times Hashem might initially plan to act according to strict justice, but after the intercession of a prophet, decides instead to act according to the attributes of mercy.<fn>Thus, Hashem's initial assessment of the nation as sinners was accurate, but due to Moshe's plea for mercy, Hashem decided nonetheless not to punish the nation.</fn> Compare also to the impact which Moshe's prayers after the sins of the Golden Calf and the Spies had on Hashem's initial decrees.</point>
<point><b>Can Hashem change His mind?</b> This approach asserts that at times Hashem might initially plan to act according to strict justice, but after the intercession of a prophet, decides instead to act according to the attributes of mercy.<fn>Thus, Hashem's initial assessment of the nation as sinners was accurate, but due to Moshe's plea for mercy, Hashem decided nonetheless not to punish the nation.</fn></point>
+
<point><b>Is collective punishment just?</b> These commentators maintain this was never a case of potential collective punishment since the nation was also guilty of rebellion.<fn>See Ramban Bemidbar 17:10 who also rejects the possibility of collateral punishment.</fn></point>
<point><b>Is collective punishment just?</b> These commentators maintain this is not a case of potential collective punishment since the nation was also guilty of rebellion.</point>
+
<point><b>Can a prophet err?</b> Ramban and Abarbanel utterly reject the possibility that Moshe could possibly have erred in understanding Hashem's words.<fn>See Ramban who says: "וחלילה שלא יבין משה נבואתו ויטעה בה".</fn></point>
<point><b>Can a prophet err?</b> Ramban and Abarbanel utterly reject the possibility that Moshe could possibly have erred in understanding Hashem's words.<fn>See Ramban who says, "וחלילה שלא יבין משה נבואתו ויטעה בה".</fn></point>
 
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<point><b>Crux of the position</b> – </point>
 
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<category name="">Hashem Rejected Moshe's Plea for Mercy
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<category name="Hashem Rejected Moshe's Plea">
<p>Moshe and Hashem's discussion focused only on the fate of the 250 followers of Korach, rather than the entire nation.  Moshe begged God to have mercy even on these rebels, but Hashem denied his request.</p>
+
Hashem Rejected Moshe's Plea for Mercy
 +
<p>Hashem denied Moshe's request to have mercy even upon the 250 followers of Korach, but the entire dialogue did not relate at all to the fate of the rest of the nation as they were never in danger.</p>
 
<mekorot>
 
<mekorot>
Perhaps <multilink><aht source="IbnEzraBemidbar16-21">Ibn Ezra</aht><aht source="IbnEzraBemidbar16-21">Bemidbar 16:21-22</aht><aht parshan="R. Avraham ibn Ezra" /></multilink>,<fn>Ibn Ezra is somewhat ambiguous as he only comments on the topic briefly. Abarbanel understands Ibn Ezra to be taking the position of R. Chananel above, that Moshe misunderstood Hashem. Ibn Ezra, though, never says explicitly that there was a misunderstanding.</fn>  
+
Perhaps <multilink><a href="IbnEzraBemidbar16-21" data-aht="source">Ibn Ezra</a><a href="IbnEzraBemidbar16-21" data-aht="source">Bemidbar 16:21-22</a><a href="R. Avraham ibn Ezra" data-aht="parshan">About R. Avraham ibn Ezra</a></multilink>,<fn>Ibn Ezra is somewhat ambiguous as he only comments on the topic briefly. Abarbanel understands Ibn Ezra to be taking the position of R. Chananel above, that Moshe misunderstood Hashem. Ibn Ezra, though, never explicitly says that there was a misunderstanding.</fn>  
<multilink><aht source="MelekhetBemidbar16-19">Melekhet Machshevet</aht><aht source="MelekhetBemidbar16-19">Bemidbar 16:19-21</aht><aht parshan="Melekhet Machshevet">About R. Moshe Hefetz</aht></multilink>
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<multilink><a href="MelekhetBemidbar16-19" data-aht="source">Melekhet Machshevet</a><a href="MelekhetBemidbar16-19" data-aht="source">Bemidbar 16:19-21</a><a href="R. Moshe Hefetz (Melekhet Machshevet)" data-aht="parshan">About R. Moshe Hefetz</a></multilink>
 
</mekorot>
 
</mekorot>
<point><b>"וַיַּקְהֵל עֲלֵיהֶם קֹרַח אֶת כָּל הָעֵדָה"</b> – This verse is referring to Korach gathering the 250 men.<fn>As their assembly has already been mentioned in verse 18, this position would probably assert that the verse is a summary statement.</fn></point>
+
<point><b>"וַיַּקְהֵל עֲלֵיהֶם קֹרַח אֶת כָּל הָעֵדָה" in verse 19</b> – This verse is referring to Korach's gathering of the 250 men.<fn>As their assembly has already been mentioned in verse 18, this position would probably assert that verse 19 is a summary statement.</fn> One of the advantages of this approach is its consistency in reading the word "הָעֵדָה" throughout this episode as referring exclusively to עדת קרח.&#8206;<fn>In addition to the occurrences of "הָעֵדָה" in verses 19 (2x), 21, 22, 24, 26, according to this position, other forms of the word "עדה" refer to Korach's assembly in verses 5-6, 11, 16 (and perhaps verse 3 as well).</fn></point>
<point><b>Did the nation sin?</b> The Melekhet Machshevet suggests that the larger nation was innocent. Ibn Ezra does not address the issue.<fn>Whether or not the nation sinned is not crucial for this position since the conversation is only revolving around the 250 men.</fn></point>
+
<point><b>Did the nation sin?</b> The Melekhet Machshevet suggests that the larger nation was innocent. Ibn Ezra does not address the issue.<fn>Whether or not the nation sinned is not crucial for this position since the conversation revolves only around the 250 men.</fn></point>
<point><b>Hashem's initial plan</b> – Hashem meant to punish the congregation of Korach (הִבָּדְלוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה = עדת קרח) aמd not the nation.</point>
+
<point><b>Hashem's initial plan ("הִבָּדְלוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה הַזֹּאת וַאֲכַלֶּה אֹתָם")</b> – Hashem meant to destroy the congregation of Korach (&#8207;"הָעֵדָה" = עדת קרח&#8207;) aמd not the rest of the nation.</point>
<point><b>Moshe's request</b> – Moshe requests that God act through His attribute of mercy, and that only Korach, the single inciting leader, be punished, but that his 250 followers be spared. According to R. Moshe Hefetz in his Melekhet Machshevet, Moshe thought that it was possible that the 250 followers were not truly backing Korach in their hearts and there was still room for them to repent.</point>
+
<point><b>Moshe's plea (&#8207;"הָאִישׁ אֶחָד יֶחֱטָא וְעַל כׇּל הָעֵדָה תִּקְצֹף?"&#8207;)</b> – Moshe requests that Hashem display His attribute of mercy, and that only Korach, the ringleader, be punished, but that his 250 followers be spared. According to R. Moshe Hefetz in his Melekhet Machshevet, Moshe thought that it was possible that the 250 followers were not truly backing Korach in their hearts, and that there was still room for them to repent.</point>
<point><b>Understanding the incense test</b> – This position must maintain that Moshe had not intended the incense test to end in the deaths of the participants. Otherwise, his plea to spare the 250 men is totally illogical.<fn>Why ask God to save the very people you have just sent to die?</fn> Moshe had simply set up a test whereby God's true choice would become evident, as Aharon's offering was accepted and that of the others rejected.<fn>This might be supported by Moshe's prayer "אַל תֵּפֶן אֶל מִנְחָתָם" in which he does not pray that the men get punished, but that their offering is not accepted. [Ibn Ezra himself does not understand the verse this way and thinks that the מנחה refers to a sacrifice offered by Datan and Aviram, not the one to be brought by the 250 people.] Alternatively, as suggested by Chizkuni and Seforno, Moshe had never meant for the test to be carried out, and had intended it as a scare tactic to convince the people to repent.</fn></point>
+
<point><b>Understanding the incense test</b> – This position must maintain that Moshe had not intended the incense test to end in the deaths of the participants. Otherwise, his plea to spare the 250 men is totally illogical.<fn>Why ask Hashem to save the very people you have just sent to die?</fn> Moshe had simply set up a test whereby Hashem's true choice would become evident when Aharon's offering was accepted and that of the others rejected.<fn>This might be supported by Moshe's prayer "אַל תֵּפֶן אֶל מִנְחָתָם" in which he does not pray that the men get punished, but only that their offering not be accepted. [Ibn Ezra himself, however, does not understand the verse this way and thinks that the מנחה refers to a sacrifice offered by Datan and Aviram, not the one to be brought by the 250 people.] Alternatively, as suggested by Chizkuni and Sforno, Moshe had never meant for the test to be carried out, and had only intended it as a scare tactic to convince the people to repent.</fn></point>
<point><b>Hashem's response</b> – Despite the request for mercy, God decides to punish all those in Korach's rebel camp. According to R. Moshe Hefetz, Hashem's words, "הֵעָלוּ מִסָּבִיב לְמִשְׁכַּן קֹרַח דָּתָן וַאֲבִירָם" are a test to prove to Moshe that, contrary to his hopes, Korach's followers really are culpable. When everyone is told to separate from the leading rebels, the nation of Israel distances themselves, but the others remain in place, and as a result, rightfully, get punished. Alternatively, there words are simply a reiteration of Hashem's original words (הִבָּדְלוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה); Hashem is telling Moshe that his plea was rejected and that He is continuing with His original plan.</point>
+
<point><b>Hashem's response</b> – Despite the request for mercy, Hashem decides to punish all those in Korach's rebel camp.  
<point><b>Can Hashem change His mind?</b> According to the Melekhet Machshevet, God does not make mistakes and thus never needs to change His mind.</point>
+
<ul>
<point><b>Is collective punishment just?</b> R. Moshe Hefetz maintains that God would never punish anyone who had not sinned.</point>
+
<li> According to R. Moshe Hefetz, when Hashem tells Moshe, "דַּבֵּר אֶל הָעֵדָה לֵאמֹר הֵעָלוּ מִסָּבִיב לְמִשְׁכַּן קֹרַח דָּתָן וַאֲבִירָם", he is directing him to speak to Korach's congregation (and not the nation), to test them if they are really willing to separate themselves from the leaders of the rebellion.<fn>This was meant to prove to Moshe that, contrary to his hopes, Korach's followers really were fully siding with Korach.</fn> But while the nation of Israel distanced themselves, the 250 men remained in place, and as a result, rightfully, get punished.</li>
<point><b>Can a prophet err?</b> R. Moshe Hefetz rejects the possibility that Moshe could have misunderstood Hashem's words.</point>
+
<li>Alternatively, there words are simply a reiteration of Hashem's original words (הִבָּדְלוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה); Hashem is telling Moshe that his plea was rejected and that He is continuing with His original plan.</li>
<point><b>Crux of the position</b> – This position manages to resolve many of the philosophical issues raised by the others - neither God nor Moshe err,<fn>This appears to be the main motivation of Melekhet Machshevet to read the verses as he does. See his opening question on the exegetes who preceded him, "וכבר העמיקו בזה המפרשים. ועל כלם יקשה שהי"ת או משה יטעה בדין ובעונש ישראל?"</fn> and there is no potential issue of collective punishment. It does encounter difficulty with the tone of the rest of the chapter, though, which does not sound as if Moshe was necessarily looking out for the welfare of the rebels.</point>
+
</ul></point>
</category>
+
<point><b>Can Hashem change His mind?</b> The Melekhet Machshevet rules out the possibility of Hashem making a mistake or needing to change His mind.</point>
<!--<category name="">
+
<point><b>Is collective punishment just?</b> R. Moshe Hefetz maintains that Hashem would never punish anyone who had not sinned.</point>
<p></p>
+
<point><b>Can a prophet err?</b> R. Moshe Hefetz rejects the possibility that Moshe could have misunderstood Hashem's words.</point>
<opinion name="">
+
<point><b>Crux of the position</b> – This position manages to resolve many of the philosophical issues raised by the others - neither Hashem nor Moshe err,<fn>This appears to be the main motivation of Melekhet Machshevet to read the verses as he does. See his opening question on the exegetes who preceded him, "&#8207;וכבר העמיקו בזה המפרשים. ועל כלם יקשה שהי"ת או משה יטעה בדין ובעונש ישראל?&#8207;"</fn> and there is no potential issue of collective punishment. It has the additional advantage of maintaining a consistent understanding of the word "עֵדָה" throughout the narrative, referring always to עדת קרח. It does encounter difficulty with the tone of the rest of the chapter, though, which does not sound as if Moshe was necessarily looking out for the welfare of the rebels.</point>
<p></p>
 
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<point><b>Crux of the position</b> – </point>
 
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<p></p>
 
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</mekorot>
 
<point><b></b> – </point>
 
<point><b></b> – </point>
 
<point><b></b> – </point>
 
<point><b></b> – </point>
 
<point><b></b> – </point>
 
<point><b>Crux of the position</b> – </point>
 
</opinion>
 
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<p></p>
 
<opinion name="">
 
<p></p>
 
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<point><b></b> – </point>
 
<point><b></b> – </point>
 
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<point><b></b> – </point>
 
<point><b></b> – </point>
 
<point><b>Crux of the position</b> – </point>
 
</subopinion>
 
<subopinion name="">
 
<p></p>
 
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<point><b></b> – </point>
 
<point><b></b> – </point>
 
<point><b></b> – </point>
 
<point><b></b> – </point>
 
<point><b></b> – </point>
 
<point><b>Crux of the position</b> – </point>
 
</subopinion>
 
</opinion>
 
 
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</category>
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</approaches>
 
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<opinion name=""> <span class="unbold"> – There are two variations of this possibility:</span>
 
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Latest revision as of 13:15, 28 January 2023

Dialogue with the Divine During Korach's Rebellion

Exegetical Approaches

Overview

Moshe's brief dialogue with Hashem presents us with the challenge of how to contend with a debate between two sides, both of whom are often viewed as infallible or close to it.1 How does one "choose sides" in such a case, or can a way be found to understand and justify both? R. Chananel adopts the approach that Hashem never had any intention of wiping out the entire people, but Moshe made a mistake and, due to the ambiguity of the word "הָעֵדָה", simply misunderstood what Hashem had said. Ralbag, in contrast, develops the notion that Hashem, indeed, sometimes applies collective punishment to completely innocent people, but Moshe prevailed upon Hashem to afford the nation the opportunity to distance themselves from Korach and thereby avoid punishment.

Other commentators try to present the exchange as Moshe pleading for Hashem to have mercy even upon sinners. Ramban proposes that the entire conversation revolved around the nation at large which had in fact sinned, but were nonetheless spared because Moshe succeeded in persuading Hashem to have mercy. The Melekhet Machshevet, though, explains that the discussion focused on the fate of Korach's followers, and that Moshe failed in his attempt to invoke Divine mercy upon them.

Hashem Corrected Moshe's Error

Hashem planned to punish only Korach's followers, but Moshe misunderstood and thought that Hashem intended to destroy the entire nation. In response, Hashem clarified his intent and corrected Moshe's mistake.

"וַיַּקְהֵל עֲלֵיהֶם קֹרַח אֶת כָּל הָעֵדָה" in verse 19
  • 250 men – This approach would work well with the option3 that verse 19 describes Korach assembling only his 250 men (‏"הָעֵדָה"‏ = עדת קרח)‎.4 The term "הָעֵדָה" throughout verses 19-21 would then consistently refer to the same group.5
  • Entire people – R"Y Bekhor Shor, R. Bachya, and the Keli Yekar, however, all assert that the word "הָעֵדָה" refers to the whole nation of Israel,6 and that Korach gathered the various tribes in an attempt to convince them to join his camp.
Did the nation sin? If verse 19 refers only to Korach's group, there is no indication whatsoever that the nation at large committed an offense. Such a possibility exists only according to those commentators who think that verse 19 refers to the entire nation. These are split, with R"Y Bekhor Shor positing that the nation gathered merely to observe but did not participate in the sin, and R. Bachya opining that the nation was persuaded by Korach to support his rebellion.7
Hashem's initial plan ("הִבָּדְלוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה הַזֹּאת וַאֲכַלֶּה אֹתָם") – This approach maintains that Hashem never contemplated destroying the whole nation. When Hashem said, "הִבָּדְלוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה", He was referring to the congregation of Korach only,8 and not the nation of Israel.9
Moshe's plea (‏"וְעַל כׇּל הָעֵדָה תִּקְצֹף?"‏) – Moshe misunderstood and thought that Hashem wanted to destroy all of Israel and, thus, he requested that they be spared.10
  • If one assumes, like R"Y Bekhor Shor, that the rest of the nation was innocent, Moshe was arguing that only Korach and his followers sinned so it would be unjust if the others were punished.11
  • If one asserts, like R. Bachya, that much of the nation did join the rebellion, then one must suggest that Moshe was pleading that only the inciter to rebellion should be punished, not those foolish enough to follow him.12
Hashem's response – Hashem corrects Moshe's mistake, clarifying that when He said "הִבָּדְלוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה", He meant only "הֵעָלוּ מִסָּבִיב לְמִשְׁכַּן קֹרַח דָּתָן וַאֲבִירָם".
Can Hashem change His mind? According to this approach, Hashem is consistent and does not regret his initial decisions. Discomfort with the possibility that Hashem might have initially "erred" or desired to do something that He would later regret, may be one of the motivations for this whole approach.
Is collective punishment just? According to this position, Hashem never meant to collectively punish the nation.13 For more on collective punishment, see Are Children Punished for Parents' Sins.
Can a prophet err? This approach must explain how it is possible for a prophet, especially one of the stature of Moshe, to err in his understanding of the Divine word?14 None of these commentators address this question explicitly,15 but they apparently maintain that even a prophet like Moshe is human and might occasionally misunderstand Hashem.16 For elaboration and other examples, see Moshe – Overview.

Hashem Changed His Mind

Hashem's original plan would have led to the entire nation being punished, but Moshe persuaded Hashem to shift course. This position subdivides regarding the motivation for Hashem's change of heart and the substance of Moshe's argument:

Rescinded Decree of Collective Punishment

Moshe argued with Hashem on moral and philosophical grounds, convincing Him not to collectively punish the innocent with the guilty.

"וַיַּקְהֵל עֲלֵיהֶם קֹרַח אֶת כָּל הָעֵדָה" in verse 19
  • Entire nation – According to most of these commentators, the term "עֵדָה" in this verse refers to the Children of Israel and not the 250 men.17 Korach had gathered all of the various tribes to persuade them to side with him against Moshe.
  • 250 men – Ralbag suggests, in contrast, that the word refers to Korach's congregation,18 and not the larger nation. Korach had to actively reassemble his 250 followers, since many were afraid and hesitant to participate in the incense test and had thus dispersed.
Did the nation sin?
  • Yes – According to Tanchuma and Rashi, Korach managed to persuade the nation to join his rebellion. They maintain, though, that some portion of the nation still refused to participate in the sin.19
  • No – Ralbag and the Akeidat Yitzchak assert that the nation did not sin.20
Hashem's initial plan ("הִבָּדְלוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה הַזֹּאת וַאֲכַלֶּה אֹתָם")
  • Collective punishment – Hashem is referring to the Congregation of Israel.21 Even though the nation (or, according to Tanchuma and Rashi, a portion of the nation) was innocent and did not play any role in the rebellion, Hashem planned on punishing them collectively along with the rebels.
  • Collateral damage – According to the Akeidat Yitzchak, in contrast, Hashem was planning on actively punishing only Korach and his men (‏"הָעֵדָה"‏ = עדת קרח). Nonetheless, Hashem was not planning on preventing the nation from suffering any collateral damage the punishment might cause.22 Thus, Hashem originally told only Moshe and Aharon to separate from the rebels (and thereby be protected from sharing their fate), but did not instruct the nation as a whole to do the same.
Moshe's plea (‏"וְעַל כׇּל הָעֵדָה תִּקְצֹף?"‏) – Moshe is arguing against collective punishment. According to the Tanchuma, Rashi, and Ralbag, he is challenging the fundamental principle, contending that it is unfair to punish the innocent along with the guilty.23 For the Akeidat Yitzchak, in contrast, even Moshe is not objecting to the concept per se, but rather only claiming that it should not be applied in this particular instance, since Korach had defied Moshe's authority and separated himself from the collective.24
Hashem's response and the principle of collective punishment – All of these commentators maintain that, in the end, Hashem acquiesced to Moshe's request and changed His original plan. Tanchuma and Rashi present Moshe as convincing Hashem that collective punishment is not just. According to both Ralbag and the Akeidat Yitzchak, though, Hashem does not retract the principle of collective punishment,25 but simply does not apply it in this case.26
"הֵעָלוּ מִסָּבִיב לְמִשְׁכַּן קֹרַח דָּתָן וַאֲבִירָם" – Ralbag and Akeidat Yitzchak differ in their understandings of the purpose of this directive:
  • Preventative – According to Ralbag, since collective punishment is by nature what happens to a united group when one part sins and causes Hashem's providence to depart, Hashem needed to break up the collective. He, thus, commands Moshe to tell the nation, "הֵעָלוּ מִסָּבִיב לְמִשְׁכַּן קֹרַח דָּתָן וַאֲבִירָם", to separate themselves, and thus not be caught in the punishment of Korach's followers.
  • Corrective – The Akeidat Yitzchak views these latter words of Hashem as modifying His original statement, "הִבָּדְלוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה". Hashem had originally told only Moshe and Aharon to separate from Korach's congregation, but He now extends this warning to the rest of the nation ("דַּבֵּר אֶל הָעֵדָה") so that they can all distance themselves and be saved.27
Can Hashem change His mind? According to the Tanchuma and Rashi, Hashem simply accepted Moshe's argument and changed His course of action.28 Ralbag and the Akeidat Yitzchak, though, present more rationalist understandings. Ralbag explains that due to the closeness of the prophet to Hashem, his intercession can impact Divine providence, while according to the Akeidat Yitzchak the nation's action in distancing themselves from Korach is what brought about the change result.29
Can a prophet err? The Akeidat Yitzchak argues against the possibility that Moshe could possibly have erred in understanding Hashem's words.30 Discomfort with this notion may be one of the main motivating factors for this position.

Pardoned Even the Undeserving

Moshe made an emotional argument before Hashem, appealing on humanitarian grounds to God's mercy and asking that He forgo punishing the nation even though they had sinned.31

"וַיַּקְהֵל עֲלֵיהֶם קֹרַח אֶת כָּל הָעֵדָה" in verse 19 – This position asserts that the term "עֵדָה" in this verse refers to the Children of Israel,33 and not the 250 men with Korach. Korach assembled the entire nation to convince them to join his rebellion.
Did the nation sin? These commentators attribute varying degrees of guilt to the nation, suggesting either that they, too, had begun to question Moshe's authority, or that they were guilty of not protesting against Korach.34
Hashem's initial plan ("הִבָּדְלוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה הַזֹּאת וַאֲכַלֶּה אֹתָם") – According to all of these exegetes, Hashem is instructing Moshe and Aharon to distance themselves from the entire nation.35 Since the people had all participated in the sin, Hashem desired to punish them as well.
Moshe's plea (‏"הָאִישׁ אֶחָד יֶחֱטָא וְעַל כׇּל הָעֵדָה תִּקְצֹף?"‏) – Moshe's argument is not a philosophical one, as above, but an emotional one. He pleas that Hashem should have mercy on the undeserving nation.36 He attempts to mitigate the people's fault by pointing out that it was a sin of thought and not action. Moreover, he stresses that only Korach was really culpable, since without him the nation would not have been persuaded to sin.
Hashem's response – Hashem agrees to Moshe's request, and changes His original plan. The commentators disagree regarding the intent of Hashem's words, "הֵעָלוּ מִסָּבִיב לְמִשְׁכַּן קֹרַח דָּתָן וַאֲבִירָם" in verse 24:
  • Correction – Ramban reads Hashem's words as correcting His original statement, "הִבָּדְלוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה". Hashem was no longer planning on punishing the enitre "עֵדָה", but rather only Korach, Datan, and Aviram.
  • Demand for a show of loyalty – Malbim and R. Hirsch,37 in contrast, assert that in verse 24, Hashem is demanding that the nation actively show that they no longer support Korach by distancing themselves from him. Only with such an atoning act will they no longer deserve to share Korach's fate.
Can Hashem change His mind? This approach asserts that at times Hashem might initially plan to act according to strict justice, but after the intercession of a prophet, decides instead to act according to the attributes of mercy.38 Compare also to the impact which Moshe's prayers after the sins of the Golden Calf and the Spies had on Hashem's initial decrees.
Is collective punishment just? These commentators maintain this was never a case of potential collective punishment since the nation was also guilty of rebellion.39
Can a prophet err? Ramban and Abarbanel utterly reject the possibility that Moshe could possibly have erred in understanding Hashem's words.40

Hashem Rejected Moshe's Plea for Mercy

Hashem denied Moshe's request to have mercy even upon the 250 followers of Korach, but the entire dialogue did not relate at all to the fate of the rest of the nation as they were never in danger.

"וַיַּקְהֵל עֲלֵיהֶם קֹרַח אֶת כָּל הָעֵדָה" in verse 19 – This verse is referring to Korach's gathering of the 250 men.42 One of the advantages of this approach is its consistency in reading the word "הָעֵדָה" throughout this episode as referring exclusively to עדת קרח.‎43
Did the nation sin? The Melekhet Machshevet suggests that the larger nation was innocent. Ibn Ezra does not address the issue.44
Hashem's initial plan ("הִבָּדְלוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה הַזֹּאת וַאֲכַלֶּה אֹתָם") – Hashem meant to destroy the congregation of Korach (‏"הָעֵדָה" = עדת קרח‏) aמd not the rest of the nation.
Moshe's plea (‏"הָאִישׁ אֶחָד יֶחֱטָא וְעַל כׇּל הָעֵדָה תִּקְצֹף?"‏) – Moshe requests that Hashem display His attribute of mercy, and that only Korach, the ringleader, be punished, but that his 250 followers be spared. According to R. Moshe Hefetz in his Melekhet Machshevet, Moshe thought that it was possible that the 250 followers were not truly backing Korach in their hearts, and that there was still room for them to repent.
Understanding the incense test – This position must maintain that Moshe had not intended the incense test to end in the deaths of the participants. Otherwise, his plea to spare the 250 men is totally illogical.45 Moshe had simply set up a test whereby Hashem's true choice would become evident when Aharon's offering was accepted and that of the others rejected.46
Hashem's response – Despite the request for mercy, Hashem decides to punish all those in Korach's rebel camp.
  • According to R. Moshe Hefetz, when Hashem tells Moshe, "דַּבֵּר אֶל הָעֵדָה לֵאמֹר הֵעָלוּ מִסָּבִיב לְמִשְׁכַּן קֹרַח דָּתָן וַאֲבִירָם", he is directing him to speak to Korach's congregation (and not the nation), to test them if they are really willing to separate themselves from the leaders of the rebellion.47 But while the nation of Israel distanced themselves, the 250 men remained in place, and as a result, rightfully, get punished.
  • Alternatively, there words are simply a reiteration of Hashem's original words (הִבָּדְלוּ מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה); Hashem is telling Moshe that his plea was rejected and that He is continuing with His original plan.
Can Hashem change His mind? The Melekhet Machshevet rules out the possibility of Hashem making a mistake or needing to change His mind.
Is collective punishment just? R. Moshe Hefetz maintains that Hashem would never punish anyone who had not sinned.
Can a prophet err? R. Moshe Hefetz rejects the possibility that Moshe could have misunderstood Hashem's words.
Crux of the position – This position manages to resolve many of the philosophical issues raised by the others - neither Hashem nor Moshe err,48 and there is no potential issue of collective punishment. It has the additional advantage of maintaining a consistent understanding of the word "עֵדָה" throughout the narrative, referring always to עדת קרח. It does encounter difficulty with the tone of the rest of the chapter, though, which does not sound as if Moshe was necessarily looking out for the welfare of the rebels.