In this week’s parshah, Parshas Noach, we learn about the Dor HaMabul, who were wiped off the face of the earth, leaving only Noach and his family. We also learn about the Dor HaHaflagah, who were scattered throughout the world.
Why was the Dor HaMabul completely destroyed, while the Dor HaHaflagah was punished only by being dispersed? After all, the Dor HaHaflagah rebelled against Hashem Himself—surely one of the most serious aveiros!
Rashi explains that the people of the Dor HaHaflagah lived in shalom with one another. The Dor HaMabul, however, were guilty of gezel, and there was strife among them. That is why their punishment was so severe.
“We learn how hateful machlokes is, and how great shalom is.”
Moreinu HaGaon Rav Avraham Yeshayahu Kanievsky shlita asked his father, Maran Sar HaTorah, Rav Chaim Kanievsky zatzal:
When Hashem punished the Dor HaHaflagah by confusing their language, they behaved with terrible cruelty! If one person asked for a brick and his fellow brought him mortar because he did not understand him, he would turn on him and smash his skull!
Can this be called living in shalom with one another? The moment something did not go their way, they were ready to kill!
What kind of shalom was that?
Maran Sar HaTorah answered:
This itself teaches us the tremendous koach and chashivus of shalom! Indeed, their shalom may have been based entirely on personal interests. As long as everything worked out well for them, they lived peacefully together—and the moment things stopped going their way, that shalom disappeared.
Nevertheless, so great is the power of shalom that even such a shalom can protect a person from punishment!