“Now Korah the son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram the sons of Eliab, and On the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men. And they rose up before Moses, with a number of the people of Israel, 250 chiefs of the congregation, chosen from the assembly, well-known men. They assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron and said to them, “You have gone too far! For all in the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?” (Numbers 16:1-3 ESV)
This section of Scripture highlights one of Israel’s many failures during their wilderness wanderings. Their journey from Egypt to Canaan was marked by constant complaining, a continual lack of faith, and many moral and spiritual collapses. This moment, though, stands out as a powerful and sobering episode. This event contains some potent warnings and lessons needed by God’s people in every generation. As the apostle Paul pointed out, Israel’s history “took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did” (1 Corinthians 10:6).
What exactly happened in Numbers 16?
This passage describes a group of rebels rising up “against Moses and Aaron” (v.3). This rebellion was led by Korah, a relative of Aaron from the tribe of Judah. Alongside him was Dathan, Abiram, On, and 250 other influential leaders from among the nation. They sharply accused Moses and Aaron of elevating themselves above the people, claiming that all the children of Israel were equally holy and chosen by God. However, their criticisms were actually motivated by their pride, envy, and a desire for power. As the text later points out, Korah wanted the priesthood itself (v.10), and he was envious of Moses and Aaron’s God-ordained roles within the nation. As the narrative unfolds, God opens up the earth and swallows Korah and his groupies in a terrifying act of judgement. God then made it abundantly clear that Aaron is his chosen priest with the beautiful sign of Aaron’s rod budding (see Numbers 17). Ultimately, this passage illustrates the destructive effects of pride challenging God’s order and dividing God’s people. The warnings contained in this narrative cannot be overlooked!
How Can We Avoid Korah’s Rebellion Today?
1. Watch out for those who challenge God’s leaders.
Korah and his company tried to challenge Moses and Aaron’s leadership. They questioned their leadership and attacked their motives. They believed they should be in charge and could do a better job. A careful study of the wilderness wanderings reveals this was a common theme throughout their history. They repeatedly tried to undermine Moses and Aaron, ultimately resisting God’s order. They lacked a respect for Moses and Aaron because they did not respect God!
We need to watch out for those who seek to undermine God’s leaders today by their words and actions. This can be especially devious because it’s often done in subtle and camouflaged ways. People sometimes question God’s leadership—not out of genuine concern—but out of pride, envy, or a desire to control. Remember, Korah’s complaint was that everyone was equally close to God, but the real reason for his attack was a selfish desire to be priest himself. We need to beware of those who create divisions and launch attacks under the false pretense of concern. Instead of challenging God’s order in the church, we need to develop a greater level of love and respect for spiritual authority (cf. Hebrews 13:7, 17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).
2. Beware of those who try to lead others astray.
Korah wanted to be priest (Numbers 16:10), and he tried to rally others onto his side to build a following to overthrow Moses and Aaron. He got Dathan, Abiram, and On—all from the tribe of Rueben—along with 250 influential men in the nation to join him in his rebellion. They had name, number, and unity all present in their case against Moses and Aaron. However, it was completely wicked and false to its core. Remember, the Scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians all joined together against Jesus. The enemies of Jesus had name and numbers on their side, but they didn’t have truth or righteousness. This passage illustrates how charismatic or influential people will use others to stir up division and push their agendas, and it’s a warning to not get caught up in a conspiracy.
We need to open our eyes and beware of those who might gossip to us with words cloaked in concern. We need to watch out for those who might be trying to manipulate us emotionally and spiritually. We need to take extreme caution to not get pulled into a corner that appears strong or vocal. We need to be cautious of those who use “us vs. them” language towards leaders or the church. Jesus taught us to judge words and actions by their fruit (see Matthew 7:15-20). We need to test everything by Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and follow the example of those who pursue peace and Christ-like humility (Philippians 2:3). Don’t let others pull you away!
3. Shun pride and selfish ambition.
Korah and his followers were motivated by jealousy and a desire for control. They wanted to be recognized, followed, and in power. Pride and selfish ambition have ruined many people spiritually and caused great harm in many congregations of the church. Pride blinds us to the truth, our own sins, and the impact of our behavior. Ultimately, pride and selfish ambition lead to judgment from God. Proverbs 16:18 warns us that “pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
We need to check our heart for pride and make sure we are doing “nothing from selfish ambition or conceit“ (Philippians 2:3). We can check our heart and motives by asking some hard questions and being real with ourselves as we answer them. Am I simply seeking to serve, or do I desire to be seen or be in control? Would I still serve if nobody noticed or thanked me? Am I willing to do things that feel “less important” or unnoticed? Do I compare myself to others? How do I respond when I am corrected or offered feedback? David onced prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!“ (Psalm 139:23-24). Ask God to pinpoint your motives so you can be sure your heart is in the right place.
Conclusion
Korah’s rebellion is a shocking and sobering episode in Israel’s history. It reminds us of the danger and often deceptive nature of pride among God’s people. It challenges us to respect God’s leaders and the order God has in place among his people. It warns us to beware of those who may deviously work behind the scenes spreading division, doubts, and discontent. It asks us to look into our hearts and be sure our motives are righteous. Korah’s rebellion is in the Bible for a reason. It’s there for our learning, our reflection, and for our warning. Let’s take these messages to heart and live with one another before God in ways that honor him.