The sons of Korach played a key role in his rebellion, and were therefore swallowed up into the ground along with the other rebels. However, since Korach’s sons – unlike the others – repented in their hearts, they were spared the death penalty: G‑d allowed them to stay alive in an underground cave until the rest of their generation died out, after which He allowed them to emerge from hiding and resume their lives in the community. Had they acted upon their regret, they would have been spared even this lesser punishment. Their survival shows us the tremendous power of repentance – even when it is not acted upon as it should be.
This insight should quiet any doubts that we may have about the possibility of redemption in our times. Even merely thinking about repenting is sufficient to bring about the final Redemption – especially when this is added to the merits we have accrued throughout our long exile: the Torah we have studied, the commandments we have performed, and the martyrdom we have suffered.1
Good 🌻 Morning,
Whether we travel by land, air, or sea we use a GPS coordinate system that lets us know where we are located on earth [north/south, or east/west]. North/south have end points, but east/west doesn't. It never meets! Isaiah the Prophet illustrates in the Torah how GD uses the GPS system to demonstrate the Power of His Love and forgiveness effects repentance, ". . .as far as the heavens is above the earth north/south] so great is His love for those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far He has removed our transgressions from us. GD is compassionate, loving, and kind. When we repent, He promises to "forget," and to "remove" our transgressions from us, and to remember them no more [Isaiah 103:7-12; 43:25]. GD showed His ways to Moses, His deeds to Israel. Korah's sons are an example of this "Promise," and it gives all of us hope of GD's Mercy, Grace, and Love.
Baruch HaShem,
🕊💜
May Moshiach Come Soon!