Shabbat Table Topics – Parashat Korach/0/en

Shabbat Table Topics – Parashat Korach

This topic has not yet undergone editorial review

Prophetic Fallibility and Divine Immutability

In the middle of Korach's rebellion, Hashem tells Moshe to separate from the "עדה", so He can destroy them.  Moshe argues, "if one man sinned, will you destroy the entire "עדה"?  Hashem replies by telling Moshe to separate the "עדה" from the dwelling of Korach, Datan and Aviram.  This short dialogue raises a host of questions:

• Was Hashem really threatening to impose collective punishment on the entire nation for the crimes of a minority?  Is collective punishment legitimate?
• Is it possible that Moshe misunderstood Hashem's intent, and when Hashem initially used the word עדה, he was referring not to the entire nation, but only to Korach's followers?  Can a prophet make a mistake and misunderstand Divine communication?
• Did Hashem change course after Moshe's intercession? What does it mean for an immutable God to change His mind?  Is that even possible?
• Debate these issues at your Shabbat table using Dialogue with the Divine During Korach's Rebellion as a guide.