As Heard From Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

“And Moshe was very wroth and he said to Hashem: Do not turn to their offering.” (16:15)

This seems to be an entirely unnecessary request. Why would Hashem honor the offering of those that rebelled against Moshe the servant of Hashem? But we must note that the usual ‘Vayiktsof’ (”And he was angry” -Shemot 16:20, Vayikra 10:16, Bemidbar 31:14) is not used. Because ‘Vayiktsof’ expresses a superficial anger which Moshe displayed externally. However, ‘Vayichar’ expresses genuine distress and wrath because these opponents were men of worth and good deeds. Moshe actually feared lest Hashem might respect their offering. We see that Korach and his party were sterling personalities.

And here we learn an invaluable lesson. Not as generally thought by most men, that if they would be convinced of the truth by open miracles, they would surely be perfectly righteous men. But here we see that even more that the test of belief in Hashem and in His management of men’s lives, there is still a more difficult test of overcoming ones own character traits such as jealousy and the desire for glory.

Korach saw all the miracles. He stood on the shore of the Sea as it was split and sang together with the entire Nation. At Har Sinai he heard the Voice of Hashem and had shouted “We shall do and we shall listen!” together with all Israel.

Belief was no obstacle. But the test of Envy and the desire for Glory, this was overpowering.

Quoted from “A Journey Into Greatness” by Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

Shabbat Shalom

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