One must wonder how Korach, who Chazal say was a giant in Torah, could make such a grave mistake in rebelling against Moshe Rabbeinu. After all, the Rambam in Hilchos Yesodai Hatorah tells us that everyone not only heard Hashem speaking, but also heard Hashem speaking to Moshe, in order to make it clear that Moshe was the chosen leader, and no one should doubt him.
I heard a profound answer from Rav Noach Weinberg, and years later, I realized that his explanation is founded in the words of Tosfos Maseches Shabbas 87. Korach knew that Moshe was chosen by Hashem. However, as Rabeinu Tam, who is quoted in that Tosfos, explains, we have a principle that בדרך שאדם רוצה לילך מוליכים אותו. A person will be led in the way that he desires. Korach felt that whatever Hashem commanded Moshe Rabbeinu to do emanated from Moshe’s own desires, whether to be a leader or to choose his brother as the kohen gadol. The mistake Korach made is really described at the end of the whole dispute between Korach and Moshe. Moshe says three words: כי לא מליבי – for it wasn’t from my heart.
We can learn a very valuable lesson from here. We all want to do the Will of Hashem, and many times we might think we are doing His Will, but really it’s our will that we are being led to do. So, how do we make sure what we do is Hashem’s Will? The answer is tefillah. We must ask Hashem to help us choose what He wants us to do, and then He will help us to succeed.
RABBI DANIEL COREN
SEMICHAS CHAVER SHIUR in R’ Coren’s office every Wednesday at 9:00 PM
