1)
Why did they answer only the Nesi'im, and not also Pinchas?
1.
Malbim: If they can vindicate themselves from the charge of a minor betrayal of Yisrael, automatically the charge of betrayal of Hashem is removed.
Why did they answer only the Nesi'im, and not also Pinchas?
Malbim: If they can vindicate themselves from the charge of a minor betrayal of Yisrael, automatically the charge of betrayal of Hashem is removed.