G'd of the Spirits of All Flesh

[Shimon]

“O G’d, G’d of the spirits of all flesh, if one man sins, will You be angry with the entire community?”

• Numbers 16:22, Tree of Life Version

It is written in Pirkei Avos that every controversy that is for the sake of heaven will endure, while every argument that is not “in the name of Heaven” will not endure. The discussions between Shammai and Hillel are an example of those that endure. The dispute of Korach was a rebellious argument that was not destined to endure (Pirkei Avos 5:20). Rather, Korach was destined to be punished from the beginning of human history, inasmuch that the mouth of the earth that swallowed Korach and his followers is said to have been created on twilight of Shabbat Eve (Pirkei Avos 5:9).

Korach separated himself from the assembly of H’Shem. He purported to champion the people, inasmuch that he claimed that everyone was holy, saying that Moses and Aaron should not lift themselves “above the assembly of the L’RD” (Numbers 16:3); commentary explains that Korach wanted Aaron’s position of Kohein Gadol (High Priest) for himself. He did not recognize that both Moshe and Aaron were G’d appointed; rather, he felt that they unfairly took the positions of leadership for themselves; his accusation revealed his own intent. Moreover, he did not recognize the inherent value of the Levitical system, that was established according to G’d’s decree, giving precedent to those Whom He viewed as most qualified to serve in their respective capacity.

“For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the L’rd commends.”

• 2 Corinthians 10:18, Tree of Life Version

Moses and Aaron, as well as the kohanim (Aaron’s sons), and the Levites were chosen by the L’RD, based upon their meritorious qualities, in other words, their character. Korach attempted to assert himself, according to his egoic drive, inasmuch that he felt passed over, when the leadership of the Kohathites – one of the three families of Levi – was appointed to Elizaphan (Midrash Tanhuma, Korach), instead of to himself. Yet, his aspirations went beyond his initial complaint, reaching towards the highest position as a Kohatite, as if he could make a claim against the L’RD’s chosen one (Numbers 16:5).

With the rebellion looming over Moses and Aaron, poised to overthrow them, the L'RD told Moses and Aaron to separate themselves from the congregation, so that He might destroy the entire congregation. Yet, Moses interceded on behalf of the people; in doing so, he addressed G’d as “the G’d of the spirits of all flesh.” In other words, Moses appealed to G’d, Who knows the hearts of all men, including their thoughts, inasmuch that in this specific case, He knew who was loyal to Him, and who was disloyal.

So, Moses pleaded on behalf of the people that G’d would distinguish between the conspirators, and those of the people who still trusted in Him. As a result of Moshe’s heartfelt prayer, G'd decided to limit the extent of the punishment only to the guilty. This connotes G-d’s sense of justice, as well as His attribute of mercy. “Behold, the eye of the L’RD is toward them that fear Him, toward them that wait for His mercy” (Psalm 33:18, JPS). “In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind” (Job 12:10, JPS).

Edited June 10, 2021 by Shimon
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