Introduction

The rebellion of Korah is a significant event in the Old Testament, illustrating the consequences of challenging divinely appointed leadership and authority. This account is primarily found in Numbers 16 and is referenced in other parts of Scripture as a warning against insubordination and pride.

Background

Korah was a Levite, a descendant of Kohath, and a cousin of Moses and Aaron. The Kohathites had specific duties related to the tabernacle, but Korah sought a higher position, desiring the priesthood itself. Alongside Korah, Dathan and Abiram from the tribe of Reuben, and 250 well-known community leaders, joined in the rebellion.

The Rebellion

Korah and his followers accused Moses and Aaron of exalting themselves above the assembly of the LORD. They argued that the entire congregation was holy and questioned why Moses and Aaron should have special status. Numbers 16:3 records their challenge: "You have gone too far, for all the congregation is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?"

Moses, recognizing the gravity of the rebellion, fell facedown and proposed a test to determine whom the LORD had chosen. Each man was to take his censer and present incense before the LORD. The next day, the LORD would reveal His chosen leader.

Divine Judgment

The LORD instructed Moses to separate the congregation from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. Moses warned the people that if these men died a natural death, then the LORD had not sent him. However, if the earth opened and swallowed them, it would be a sign that they had treated the LORD with contempt.

As recorded in Numbers 16:31-33 , "As soon as Moses had finished saying all this, the ground beneath them split open, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, all Korah’s men and all their possessions. They went down alive into Sheol with all they owned. The earth closed over them, and they vanished from the assembly."

The 250 men offering incense were consumed by fire from the LORD, further demonstrating the seriousness of their rebellion.

Aftermath and Legacy

The rebellion of Korah serves as a stark warning against pride and the rejection of God's established order. The censers of the 250 men were hammered into a covering for the altar as a reminder that only the descendants of Aaron were to offer incense before the LORD (Numbers 16:39-40).

The event is referenced in the New Testament as a cautionary tale. Jude 1:11 warns against those who "perished in Korah’s rebellion," highlighting the danger of rejecting divine authority.

Theological Implications

Korah's rebellion underscores the importance of humility and submission to God's will. It illustrates the dangers of envy and ambition when they lead to challenging God's chosen leaders. The narrative emphasizes that holiness and leadership are determined by God's sovereign choice, not human ambition or consensus.

Conclusion

The account of Korah's rebellion is a powerful reminder of the consequences of defying God's authority. It serves as a timeless lesson on the importance of recognizing and respecting the roles and responsibilities ordained by God within His covenant community.Numbers 16:11
For which cause both you and all your company are gathered together against the LORD: and what is Aaron, that you murmur against him?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Korah, Dathan, and Abiram
... But there are cases in which rebellion must be punished ... God had given them a
law"a constitution, as we ... If they once began to rebel and mutiny against that law ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon xiii korah dathan and.htm

Numbers
... faith; steadfast amid jealousy, suspicion and rebellion, and vindicated by God
Himself as a ... privilege and power (xii.8). Over against the narrow ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/numbers.htm

The Danger of Deviating from Divine Institutions.
... gone in the way of Cain and Core." Core, or Korah, certainly attempted ... day." Every
thing of this nature, whatever may be its design, is rebellion against God. ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxviii the danger of.htm

Evans -- the Fall and Recovery of Man
... come and cast away your weapons of rebellion! ... God is here waiting to be gracious. ...
back, into the depths of the sea; and they shall be remembered against you no ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/evans the fall and.htm

Moses, the Mighty Intercessor
... The rebellion of Korah was the occasion of God's anger flaming out against the
whole congregation of Israel, who sympathized with these rebels. ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/iv moses the mighty intercessor.htm

The Character of Its Teachings Evidences the Divine Authorship of ...
... is more than a non-compliance with God's law"it is rebellion against the One ... teach
us what an infinite evil it is to revolt against the thrice holy God. ...
/.../pink/the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter four the character of.htm

From Kadesh to the Death of Moses.
... (2) To rebel against God's appointed leaders ... (4) That God decides the fate of armies
in battle and is therefore the God of nations ... (1) The rebellion of Korah. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter vii from kadesh to.htm

Sovereignty of God in Administration
... the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His Christ ... us
(Psa.2:1-3). But is the great God perturbed or disturbed by the rebellion of his ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter three sovereignty of god.htm

The City and River of God
... of unbridled power, of tumult and strife, and anarchy and rebellion! ... of pearl need
not be closed against any foes, with whose happy citizens 'God will dwell ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the city and river of.htm

The Epistle of Judas
... all created,' and also, From before God went forth ... also apt words of protest against
secular religion ... for what it brings them, and perish in Korah's rebellion. ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the epistle of judas.htm

What does the Bible say about rebellion? | GotQuestions.org

What was the significance of the rebellion of Korah? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Korah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Rebellion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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