The Explanation of Rashi’s Commentary

The Explanation

Rashi’s intention is to explain Moshe’s claim to Hashem: Although there were many who sinned, nevertheless Korach was the one who entices them to sin. This is the meaning of Rashi’s words “part of the country was spoiled,” meaning that many people were “spoiled,” but Moshe’s claim was that there was only one sinner, for it was Korach alone who enticed them to sin. Therefore, although a king is unable to differentiate between the ones who were spoiled and the ones who sinned, Hashem can differentiate between those who are merely “spoiled” and the sinner.

Hashem agreed with Moshe and said “I know and will make known who sinned.” In reality, however, there was more than one sinner, because Dasan and Aviram sinned as well.