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Why did the worthy men chosen as spies become corrupt and give evil counsel? The spies were righteous when selected but corrupted by their promotion from tribal leaders to national representatives. When people receive promotions that boost their ego rather than sense of obligation, even good people can become dangerous.
Rabbi Zweig addresses a fundamental contradiction in Rashi (רש"י)'s commentary on the meraglim (spies) episode. In Parshas Shelach, Rashi states that when the spies were first chosen, they were 'anoshim' - people of importance and righteousness (kesherim hayu). However, just twenty-three verses later, when describing their return, Rashi indicates they were wicked from the very beginning of their mission. This apparent contradiction teaches a profound lesson about human nature and the corrupting potential of promotions. The resolution lies in understanding that the spies underwent a fundamental change in their circumstances. Initially, they were tribal leaders (nesi'im) responsible only to their individual tribes. When chosen as spies, they were promoted to national representatives, reporting to both Moshe and the entire Jewish people. This promotion from local to national leadership created an entirely new dynamic that proved spiritually dangerous.
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Parshas Shelach
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