Korach קֹרַח
Numbers 16:1-18:32
Reading #1 - Numbers 16:1–13
My Thoughts:
Korah contends that everyone is holy and near to Hashem -- why was Moses so special? I suppose man has had the problem of recognizing authority for centuries and centuries. I think we all want to be in charge at some point in our lives. But, here is what is important. Hashem places those in authority over us. He rules the earth, and He chooses who will help Him to carry out His orders. In this special moment in Hashem’s history, He chooses Moses and Aaron. These men, including Korath, are not happy with this. They rebel. And Hashem separates and punishes them immediately. Lesson learned. The only way to live a prosperous and peaceful life is to follow Hashem and His Commandments. Love Him and love others. If you challenge that -- well, your future will be bleak. Choose life!
Challenge:
It is so interesting to me that Moses is so very close to Hashem that when he hears of Korah’s rebellion -- he tells them what is going to happen next. He explains that now Hashem will show “who are His and who are holy” (verse 5). End of debate. The Elohim of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob will now settle things. At this point you would think that Korah and the leaders would fall on their faces and beg forgiveness. Only they continue in their persistence to prove a point. A point that leads them to destruction. Today, I suggest you take a look at your own life. Are you rebelling against some authority in your life? Maybe you feel justified, but go to Hashem and let Him fight your battle! Pray and seek His face for solution, instead of fighting for something on your own. Granted sometimes Hashem will direct us to seek justice in a situation, but many times He does not. Stand back and allow Hashem to do what is right. Repent and ask forgiveness for any havoc you have created. Today is a new day. Make things right. Recognize Hashem is on the throne!
Reading #1 - Numbers 16:1–13
16:1 Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, with Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took some men. 2 They rose up before Moses, with some of the children of Israel, two hundred fifty princes of the congregation, called to the assembly, men of renown. 3 They assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said to them, “You take too much on yourself, since all the congregation are holy, everyone of them, and Hashem is among them! Why do you lift yourselves up above Hashem’s assembly?”
4 When Moses heard it, he fell on his face. 5 He said to Korah and to all his company, “In the morning, Hashem will show who are His, and who is holy, and will cause him to come near to Him. Even him whom He shall choose, He will cause to come near to Him. 6 Do this: have Korah and all his company take censers, 7 put fire in them, and put incense on them before Hashem tomorrow. It shall be that the man whom Hashem chooses, he shall be holy. You have gone too far, you sons of Levi!”
8 Moses said to Korah, “Hear now, you sons of Levi! 9 Is it a small thing to you that the Elohim of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to do the service of Hashem’s tabernacle, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them; 10 and that He has brought you near, and all your brothers the sons of Levi with you? Do you seek the priesthood also? 11 Therefore you and all your company have gathered together against Hashem! What is Aaron that you complain against him?”
12 Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab; and they said, “We won’t come up! 13 Is it a small thing that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, but you must also make yourself a prince over us?
