Why Moses Fell on His Face When Korah Rebelled

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Korach 9:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

(Numbers 16:19:) "AND KORAH ASSEMBLED AGAINST THEM." He said to them (in Numbers 16:3): "FOR ALL THE CONGREGATION, ALL OF THEM, ARE HOLY, [AND THE LORD IS AMONG THEM]," and all of them heard at Sinai "I am the LORD your God"; (Numbers 16:3, continued:) "AND WHY DO YOU RAISE YOURSELVES UP?" Immediately Moses trembled, since their offense was already the fourth in their hands. A parable: It is like a king's son who offended against his father, and the king's beloved friend appeased him on his behalf once, twice, and three times. When he offended a fourth time, the hands of the king's beloved friend grew slack. He said, "How many times shall I trouble the king?" So too Moses. They sinned with the calf, (and so) "And Moses entreated" (Exodus 32:11). With the murmurers, "And Moses prayed to the LORD" (Numbers 11:2). [With the spies, "And Moses said to the LORD" (Numbers 14:13),] "And the Egyptians will hear" etc. (ibid.). In the dispute of Korah his hands grew slack. He said, "How much can I trouble before the Omnipresent?" Therefore "And Moses heard and fell on his face" (Numbers 16:4).

Themes

RebellionMosesTimeEgyptKings

Biblical References

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