Korah – The Rebel
“They went down alive to the land of the dead…and they disappeared from the congregation.”
—Numbers 16:33
In the desert, while the Israelites were still wandering, a rebellion broke out. A Levite named Korah, along with 250 leaders and two accomplices, Dathan and Abiram, rebelled against the leadership of Moses and Aaron—against God’s own choice.
Korah was dissatisfied with the Levite position, and he was jealous, power-hungry, and wanted the priesthood. He cried out:
“The congregation are all holy! Why do you exalt yourselves?” (Numbers 16:3)
But Moses replied:
“Tomorrow morning the Lord will show who is truly his.”
And he warned: “You have gone too far!” (Numbers 16:7)
The Power Play Ends in the Abyss
The next morning, Korah and his men presented incense before the Lord. But the Lord did not accept the offering. Instead:
The earth split open, swallowing Korah, his family, and all his possessions.
The fire from the Lord consumed 250 rebels.
Another 14,700 died because they continued to complain (Numbers 16:49).
The Lord made it clear that rebellion against His chosen ones was rebellion against Him.
A Warning That Goes Beyond the Ages
Jude 1:11 states:
“Woe to them! … they perished in the rebellion of Korah.”
This is a warning to all false teachers who dispute God’s authority and who want positions that God has not given them.
Grace for the Descendants
Although Korah was judged, his descendants were not cut off. Seven generations later, the prophet Samuel came from his line. Korah’s descendants were also gatekeepers, singers in the temple, and left behind many beautiful psalms (see Psalms 42, 84, etc.).
Today’s Lesson
Do not envy the position of others in the body of Christ.
Do not exalt yourself to a place that only God can place.
Do not rebel against God’s anointed – you are not just rebelling against them, you are rebelling against God.
Know your place. Submit to the mighty hand of God.
In due time, He will exalt you (1 Peter 5:6).