Korach קֹרַח - Korach
Torah Portion: Numbers 16:1-18:32
Numbers 16:44-50
16:44 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 45 “Get away from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment!” They fell on their faces.
46 Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer, put fire from the altar in it, lay incense on it, carry it quickly to the congregation, and make atonement for them; for wrath has gone out from Hashem! The plague has begun.”
47 Aaron did as Moses said and ran into the middle of the assembly. The plague had already begun among the people. He put on the incense and made atonement for the people. 48 He stood between the dead and the living, and the plague was stayed. 49 Now those who died by the plague were fourteen thousand seven hundred, in addition to those who died about the matter of Korah. 50 Aaron returned to Moses to the door of the Tent of Meeting, and the plague was stopped.
Today’s Meditation:
Curious that Moses tells Aaron to take the incense as an atonement for the people. Oftentimes, we believe only animals and blood can bring atonement. But in this story, we learn that incense is Hashem’s choice for an offering.
This is why it is essential to study the Torah and seek to understand what Hashem is trying to teach us. Today, it is clear that He is teaching His people not to rebel. But in His mercy and grace, He has provided a way of redemption.
Today’s Challenge:
Do we ever learn? First, Korach and his household are swallowed up into the ground, and then the 250 leaders with censers are consumed. You would think people would get on their knees and beg Hashem for forgiveness. And maybe some did. But others began to complain, the very next day. What were they thinking? Hashem is not happy with this and unleashes a massive plague. Moses intercedes with Hashem, Aaron runs between the living and the dead, and the plague is halted. Here is the lesson. If we disobey Hashem, don’t try to make excuses or think that it is okay. It is not. Beg for forgiveness, repent, and be holy. Or another punishment may follow. Hashem loves us either way, but will not let us go unpunished, or He will find a way so we learn.
