“The Sons of Korach didn’t die.” (Numbers 26:11)
A mysterious verse stuck in the middle of a genealogical list, it tells of a strength of character almost unrivalled in Tanach.
We all know families can be difficult, but Korach’s seems to take the cake. A man who orchestrated a would be coup, one can imagine what he was like in his family.
Powerful.
Charismatic.
A leader who didn’t leave room for the word “no”.
He met his end with terrible finality, as the Torah tells us, “and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households and every human being that was Korah’s, and all the possessions.” (Numbers 16:32)
Until our mysterious verse, we have no reason to suspect anyone lived. Korach’s household, his “human beings”, all of them swallowed by the pit.
And yet, we hear that Korach’s sons didn’t die.
Of course, we knew they couldn’t have died, as the prophet Shmuel was a descendant of Korach’s. But to hear the Torah spell it out so clearly gives us pause - why would Hashem single out this fact in so blatant a way?
The midrash gives the answer:
“This passage is stated to make known the power of repentance. The sons of Korah were initially with their father, but in the end, they all contemplated repentance, and the Holy One, Blessed be He, saved them.” (Midrash Aggadah [Buber] 26:11 )
In an astounding show of character, the sons of Korach break with their father. They understand that they’ve sinned and that their ill-fated coup is wrong.
Hashem is telling us two critical facts about our human condition. Firstly, it’s never too late to repent. Even when you’ve staged a coup against God and Moses, you can still return. Certainly, anything we’ve done in our own lives pales in comparison. We are always worthy of being redeemed if only we’d redeem ourselves.
Secondly, you are not bound by the chains you think you are. You are bound to live by your values, no matter where they take you. Family is important, but there is something more important even than that - God and the relationship you’re building with Him.
The story of Korach and his sons is an encouragement to all those struggling with people around them, close to them, who violate their values. It’s a reminder that we need not stay in unhealthy, unenriching environments.
“The sons of a Korach didn’t die” is a rallying cry and reminder for all those who are stuck: you are powerful, you are free, and you are responsible for using that freedom.
Shabbat shalom.