Korach - Reading #6

Korach קֹרַח - Korach

Numbers 16:1-18:32

Reading #6 - Numbers 17:25–18:20

My Thoughts:

In this reading Hashem is explaining to us the role and some specifics about the priests and those who serve in the Tabernacle. No stranger is to be around them. It could be possible this is for a couple of reasons. First of all, strangers may not have the right “motives” for approaching the priests. There is a “protocol” for strangers and foreigners obeying and following Torah. I believe once they decide to “join” Israel they are no longer considered strangers. Plus, strangers sometimes have a negative and poor influence on people. Hashem must be protecting the cleanliness and holiness of His servants who will be serving Him directly in the Tabernacle.

Challenge:

Today is about “sharing”. All that people bring to Hashem, will be shared with the Priests to consume. Of course, except for the offerings that are totally burnt at the altar. I heard once that Hashem doesn’t “waste” anything. It seems natural that He would not want all these offerings to be wasted or thrown away. I believe this is how things are in our lives today. Hashem does not want us to waste anything. We need to share what we have and recycle things we no longer use. My challenge today for you is to think about what you can begin to share with others, whether they are poor or not. And to be more careful about recycling things you no longer need to protect the earth. Yesterday, my husband and I went through old paints and chemicals in the basement. We have a few boxes to take to “recycling day” next week. There they will properly dispose of them. Instead of us throwing them into a landfill (which I have been guilty of in the past). Let’s protect what Hashem has given us and be respectful.

Reading #6 - Numbers 17:25–18:20

18:1 Hashem said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your fathers’ house with you shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary; and you and your sons with you shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood. 2 Bring your brothers also, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, near with you, that they may be joined to you, and minister to you; but you and your sons with you shall be before the Tent of the Testimony. 3 They shall keep your commands and the duty of the whole Tent; only they shall not come near to the vessels of the sanctuary and to the altar, that they not die, neither they nor you. 4 They shall be joined to you and keep the responsibility of the Tent of Meeting, for all the service of the Tent. A stranger shall not come near to you.

5 “You shall perform the duty of the sanctuary and the duty of the altar, that there be no more wrath on the children of Israel. 6 Behold, I myself have taken your brothers the Levites from among the children of Israel. They are a gift to you, dedicated to Hashem, to do the service of the Tent of Meeting. 7 You and your sons with you shall keep your priesthood for everything of the altar, and for that within the veil. You shall serve. I give you the service of the priesthood as a gift. The stranger who comes near shall be put to death.”

8 Hashem spoke to Aaron, “Behold, I myself have given you the command of my wave offerings, even all the holy things of the children of Israel. I have given them to you by reason of the anointing, and to your sons, as a portion forever. 9 This shall be yours of the most holy things from the fire: every offering of theirs, even every meal offering of theirs, and every sin offering of theirs, and every trespass offering of theirs, which they shall render to me, shall be most holy for you and for your sons. 10 You shall eat of it like the most holy things. Every male shall eat of it. It shall be holy to you.

11 “This is yours, too: the wave offering of their gift, even all the wave offerings of the children of Israel. I have given them to you, and to your sons and to your daughters with you, as a portion forever. Everyone who is clean in your house shall eat of it.

12 “I have given to you all the best of the oil, all the best of the vintage, and of the grain, the first fruits of them which they give to Hashem. 13 The first-ripe fruits of all that is in their land, which they bring to Hashem, shall be yours. Everyone who is clean in your house shall eat of it.

14 “Everything devoted in Israel shall be yours. 15 Everything that opens the womb, of all flesh which they offer to Hashem, both of man and animal, shall be yours. Nevertheless, you shall surely redeem the firstborn of man, and you shall redeem the firstborn of unclean animals. 16 You shall redeem those who are to be redeemed of them from a month old, according to your estimation, for five shekels of money, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, which weighs twenty gerahs.

17 “But you shall not redeem the firstborn of a cow, or the firstborn of a sheep, or the firstborn of a goat. They are holy. You shall sprinkle their blood on the altar, and shall burn their fat for an offering made by fire, for a pleasant aroma to Hashem. 18 Their meat shall be yours, as the wave offering breast and as the right thigh, it shall be yours. 19 All the wave offerings of the holy things which the children of Israel offer to Hashem, I have given you and your sons and your daughters with you, as a portion forever. It is a covenant of salt forever before Hashem to you and to your offspring with you.”

20 Hashem said to Aaron, “You shall have no inheritance in their land, neither shall you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the children of Israel.

Korach - Reading #5

Korach קֹרַח - Korach

Numbers 16:1-18:32

Reading #5 - Numbers 17:16–24

My Thoughts:

This is kind of a repeat from yesterday's study. The Protestant/Catholic Bibles do not have the verse arranged as the Jewish Tenach does. Just a few additional comments. Hashem tells Moses He will meet him before the covenant (v4). And that He will choose the rod to bud (verse 5). How perfect that Hashem meets with Moses on this very important issue and He chooses the outcome -- not Moses. That is how it is in our lives. He meets us when we need Him, and He will choose how things will work out.

Challenge:

Aaron from the tribe of Levi is the one with the miraculous rod. Hashem has chosen this tribe to perform special priestly duties in the Tabernacle, and later in the Temple. It is speculated that He chose Levi after the disaster of the “golden calf” incident. That His original plan of having priestly leaders from all tribes was redirected. Can Elohim change His mind? Certainly, He has a master plan. But, when we are disobedient we can certainly affect His plans. I wonder how many times He had a special plan for my life, but because of my not listening to Him or sinning -- that He actually changed the plan. Let’s try hard to follow Him diligently, so that we can fulfill His plans for our lives. That is my challenge for you today. 

Reading #5 - Numbers 17:16–24

Numbers 1-9  Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and take rods from them, one for each fathers’ house, of all their princes according to their fathers’ houses, twelve rods. Write each man’s name on his rod. 3 You shall write Aaron’s name on Levi’s rod. There shall be one rod for each head of their fathers’ houses. 4 You shall lay them up in the Tent of Meeting before the covenant, where I meet with you. 5 It shall happen that the rod of the man whom I shall choose shall bud. I will make the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against you, cease from me.”

6 Moses spoke to the children of Israel; and all their princes gave him rods, for each prince one, according to their fathers’ houses, a total of twelve rods. Aaron’s rod was among their rods. 7 Moses laid up the rods before Hashem in the Tent of the Testimony.

8 On the next day, Moses went into the Tent of the Testimony; and behold, Aaron’s rod for the house of Levi had sprouted, budded, produced blossoms, and bore ripe almonds. 9 Moses brought out all the rods from before Hashem to all the children of Israel. They looked, and each man took his rod.

Korach - Reading #4

Korach קֹרַח - Korach

Numbers 16:1-18:32

Reading #4 - Numbers 17:9–15 (verses 24-28 in the Jewish Bible)

My Thoughts:

Suddenly the people of Hashem understand the seriousness of His holiness and obedience. The rod shows that He has chosen Aaron as High Priest. And it is kept as a reminder by His covenant. A reminder that Hashem does the choosing of leaders and that He is the Elohim of miracles! Next time you are asking Him for something important, remember this story. He can do anything. But, you need to stay in His obedience.

Challenge:

Hashem does not like complainers. In verse 10 He reminds Moses that the cost of His people complaining may even be death. Complaining against Hashem means you do not trust Him, you are not grateful for all He has done, and it is simply rebellion. Maybe we need to remember this the next time we complain. Let’s try to put ALL of our love and trust in Him for everything we go through. And believe me, I am talking to myself about all this! I need to believe what I am writing for a situation in my life right now. And I am trying. We do not want to disappoint Hashem with unbelief that He is present in all our situations. My challenge for you today is to remember that He is the Elohim of miracles. Wouldn’t you rather live a miraculous life? I would!

Reading #4 - Numbers 17:9–15

9 Moses brought out all the rods from before Hashem to all the children of Israel. They looked, and each man took his rod.

10 Hashem said to Moses, “Put back the rod of Aaron before the covenant, to be kept for a token against the children of rebellion; that you may make an end of their complaining against me, that they not die.” 11 Moses did so. As Hashem commanded him, so he did.

12 The children of Israel spoke to Moses, saying, “Behold, we perish! We are undone! We are all undone! 13 Everyone who keeps approaching Hashem’s tabernacle, dies! Will we all perish?”

Korach - Reading #3

Korach קֹרַח - Korach

Numbers 16:1-18:32

Reading #3 - Numbers 16:20–17:8 (Chapter 17:1-21 in the Jewish Bible)

My Thoughts:

Do we ever learn? First Korath and his household are swallowed up into the ground, and then the 250 leaders with censors are consumed. You would think that people would get on their knees and beg forgiveness to Hashem. And maybe some did. But others began to complain -- the very next day! Oh no! What were they thinking? Hashem is not happy with this and begins a plague, a huge plague. Moses intercedes and 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.

Challenge:

At the end of today’s reading we learn about the story of proving to the Israelites who is their leader. Hashem tells Moses to assemble the leaders with their rods. He gathers them and sets them before the testimony. This is to settle who is truly Hashem’s leader -- once and for all -- so that the complaining ceases! Everyone brings their rods and the next day ONLY Aaron’s buds with almonds. The leader is confirmed! How wonderful of Hashem is to give this wonderful display to prove His point. It is a really interesting visual. Can you think of a time when Hashem showed the reason why He told you something? Maybe He didn’t turn a stick into flowers, but maybe He did give you a “visual” sign? Take some time to think of this and remember His miracles.

Reading #3 - Numbers 16:20–17:8

16:20 Hashem spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 21 “Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment!”

22 They fell on their faces, and said, “Elohim, the Elohim of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and will you be angry with all the congregation?”

23 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 24 “Speak to the congregation, saying, ‘Get away from around the tent of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram!’”

25 Moses rose up and went to Dathan and Abiram; and the elders of Israel followed him. 26 He spoke to the congregation, saying, “Depart, please, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest you be consumed in all their sins!”

27 So they went away from the tent of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side. Dathan and Abiram came out, and stood at the door of their tents with their wives, their sons, and their little ones.

28 Moses said, “Hereby you shall know that Hashem has sent me to do all these works; for they are not from my own mind. 29 If these men die the common death of all men, or if they experience what all men experience, then Hashem hasn’t sent me. 30 But if Hashem makes a new thing, and the ground opens its mouth, and swallows them up with all that belong to them, and they go down alive into Sheol, then you shall understand that these men have despised Hashem.”

31 As he finished speaking all these words, the ground that was under them split apart. 32 The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up with their households, all of Korah’s men, and all their goods. 33 So they, and all that belonged to them went down alive into Sheol. The earth closed on them, and they perished from among the assembly. 34 All Israel that were around them fled at their cry; for they said, “Lest the earth swallow us up!” 35 Fire came out from Hashem, and devoured the two hundred fifty men who offered the incense.

36 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 37 “Speak to Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, that he take up the censers out of the burning, and scatter the fire away from the camp; for they are holy, 38 even the censers of those who sinned against their own lives. Let them be beaten into plates for a covering of the altar, for they offered them before Hashem. Therefore they are holy. They shall be a sign to the children of Israel.”

39 Eleazar the priest took the bronze censers which those who were burned had offered; and they beat them out for a covering of the altar, 40 to be a memorial to the children of Israel, to the end that no stranger who isn’t of the offspring of Aaron, would come near to burn incense before Hashem, that he not be as Korah and as his company; as Hashem spoke to him by Moses.

41 But on the next day all the congregation of the children of Israel complained against Moses and against Aaron, saying, “You have killed Hashem’s people!”

42 When the congregation was assembled against Moses and against Aaron, they looked toward the Tent of Meeting. Behold, the cloud covered it, and Hashem’s glory appeared. 43 Moses and Aaron came to the front of the Tent of Meeting. 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.

17:1 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and take rods from them, one for each fathers’ house, of all their princes according to their fathers’ houses, twelve rods. Write each man’s name on his rod. 3 You shall write Aaron’s name on Levi’s rod. There shall be one rod for each head of their fathers’ houses. 4 You shall lay them up in the Tent of Meeting before the covenant, where I meet with you. 5 It shall happen that the rod of the man whom I shall choose shall bud. I will make the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against you, cease from me.”

6 Moses spoke to the children of Israel; and all their princes gave him rods, for each prince one, according to their fathers’ houses, a total of twelve rods. Aaron’s rod was among their rods. 7 Moses laid up the rods before Hashem in the Tent of the Testimony.

8 On the next day, Moses went into the Tent of the Testimony; and behold, Aaron’s rod for the house of Levi had sprouted, budded, produced blossoms, and bore ripe almonds.

Korach - Reading #2

Korach קֹרַח - Korach

Numbers 16:1-18:32

Reading #2 - Numbers 16:14–19

My Thoughts:

Korah seems to be blinded to what Hashem is trying to accomplish here. He is rebelling against Moses and trying to take control of everything. Instead of seeking Hashem’s face -- he is acting in the “flesh”. As you know the outcome is death. But, it is so like what we do today. We don’t seek Hashem on decisions, and we go our own way. And sometimes that can bring “death” to our situation. A good lesson to learn here. Respect Hashem and His authority, and don’t try to go forward in your own ideas and rebellion!

Challenge:

This is quite the story. Rebellion and lack of respect by a group of leaders. You can just feel the turmoil and tension in this retelling of the whole situation of Korah. But, in the midst of it all “Hashem’s glory appeared to all the congregation” (verse 19). Isn’t that so like our Hashem? He shows up to set things in order, whether we like it or not. Who would not want His glory to appear? He appears and things are set straight. And that should be our “fear” of Him. We should carry a healthy fear of loving Him so much that we would never want His punishment or for Him to leave us. I challenge you today to turn things over to Him. If you are struggling with something, stop trying to solve it in your own flesh. Give it to Hashem and watch Him work for you. He will. Just don’t stand in His way -- like Korah.

Reading #2 - Numbers 16:14–19

16:14 Moreover you haven’t brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, nor given us inheritance of fields and vineyards. Will you put out the eyes of these men? We won’t come up.”

15 Moses was very angry, and said to Hashem, “Don’t respect their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them, neither have I hurt one of them.”

16 Moses said to Korah, “You and all your company go before Hashem, you, and they, and Aaron, tomorrow. 17 Each man take his censer and put incense on it, and each man bring before Hashem his censer, two hundred fifty censers; you also, and Aaron, each with his censer.”

18 They each took his censer, and put fire in it, and laid incense on it, and stood at the door of the Tent of Meeting with Moses and Aaron. 19 Korah assembled all the congregation opposite them to the door of the Tent of Meeting.

Hashem’s glory appeared to all the congregation.

Korach - Reading #1

Korach קֹרַח - Korach

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?

Korach - Week #6

Korach קֹרַח - Korach

Numbers 16:1-18:32

1 Samuel 11:14-12:22

John 19:1-17

1.1 First reading — Numbers 16:1–13

1.2 Second reading — Numbers 16:14–19

1.3 Third reading — Numbers 16:20–17:8

1.4 Fourth reading — Numbers 17:9–15

1.5 Fifth reading — Numbers 17:16–24

1.6 Sixth reading — Numbers 17:25–18:20

1.7 Seventh reading — Numbers 18:21–32