This week features one of the greatest stories of the latter two books of the Torah: the rebellion of Korach, which came after the treachery of the spies and the failure of the people to enter the Land of Israel.
It is not surprising that there might be some resistance to Moses's leadership; after all, the idea he had failed was not so far-fetched. What is curious is that some of Korach's descendants turn out great.
The Prophet Samuel, for example, one of the great moral lights of the Bible, was a descendant of Korach. Chabad.org explains that this is a sign of the power of repentance; we read the additional portion from the Book of Samuel (11:14 - 12:22) in his honor.
https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/112283/jewish/Samuel.htm
The story from Samuel talks about the rebellion of the people at the end of the age of judges, when they demanded a king. It was a form of insubordination -- but in this case, God blessed the people, even though Samuel was skeptical.
The great insight of Samuel is that the king, too, must be subject to the laws and commandments of God -- but without being a high priest or religious leader. Thus was the rule of law established -- which Korach, Samuel's ancestor, had threatened to disrupt.
That is the true repentance -- one of convictions, not just deeds.
Today's episode is devoted to the second anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks. It was produced before the announcement of a ceasefire deal, yet remains current & relevant.
Please listen, and #bringthemhome.
SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET (4-7 PT)
This week's portion is a beautiful poem, containing the Covenant between God and the people of Israel. But given the breaking news that Hamas may actually have agreed to release all of the Israeli hostages, I will devote my remarks to that.
One hopes it is true; if so, it makes this week's additional reading, from II Samuel 22, even more relevant: David's song of praise to the Lord for delivering him from the hand of his enemies.
"18 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the Lord was my support."
So much to focus on this week -- and much breaking news. A peace deal in the Middle East, perhaps? Eric Adams dropping out of the mayor's race? And a looming shutdown as Democrats push their demands beyond absurdity.
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