In this week's Torah portion there is a verse of just a few words that not only needs some explanation, it also needs some clarity on why it is located where it is in the Torah. Seemingly, it is out of place. The words read, "Korach's sons did not die."
If you recall the story of Korach's rebellion, you will remember that a great miracle occurred and the "earth opened up its mouth and swallowed up Korach and all his men." This statement included his sons, his co-conspirators Datan and Aviram, and two hundred and fifty men. Yet, less than forty years later, when the survivors of the years in the desert were counted from the tribe of Reuven, the families of Datan and Aviran were mentioned, in that they were the ones who died in Korach's rebellion. But wait a minute—we take a break before going on the next tribe of Shimon and we read, "Korach's sons did not die."
Here we have a double question. What does this mean, that they did not die? And, why is this mentioned right here?
It is too simple an answer to just say that it "flows" with the story to mention it here. There must be more to the story.
It is true that Korach's sons and Datan and Aviram were with him originally in his plot to overthrow Moses. And while they regretted their actions in their hearts, in actuality, they did nothing about it.
They were punished by being swallowed up by the earth. But for thirty-nine years they were kept alive miraculously underground! Once the generation passed away and a new generation arose, G-d rewarded them for the regret that they had in their hearts and miraculously brought them back to the surface. Alive.
Not only that, there are many Psalms written by them that are recorded in the Book of Psalms. The famous, great prophet Samuel is their descendant! This is all due to the merit of the repentance that they made – in their hearts! Can you imagine if the repentance would have been out in the open for all to see?
The lesson that we can all take from this story is about the power of regret and the power of forgiveness. Korach's sons regretted their actions. Although they didn’t fully express themselves publicly, G-d, nevertheless, viewed it as such, and He totally forgave them (yes, they had to wait it out, but eventually the time came for them to get their reward). We, too, can learn from this—to regret our mistakes and to forgive others for theirs.