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Rabbi Akiva’s disciples did not learn in order to teach others. This type # 26347-EYAL-6
of learning is limited. For this, they were punished. In contrast, Rabbi
Akiva himself studied Torah in order to share his knowledge with others.
This was what brought him to his elevated level.
Why didn’t Rabbi Akiva rebuke his disciples? It was most likely
pre-ordained in Heaven that they should sin and subsequently die. When
Rabbi Akiva did observe the reason for the plague, he gathered his
remaining disciples and warned them to spread their Torah knowledge and
not repeat the mistakes of their predecessors.

“This shall be the reward when you hearken to
these ordinances, and you observe and perform
“A land that Hashem, your G-d, seeks out; the them; Hashem, your G-d, will safeguard for you
eyes of Hashem, your G-d, are always upon it, the covenant and the kindness that He swore to
from the beginning of the year to year’s end” your forefathers”

(Devarim 11:12) (Devarim 7:12)