Don’t Be a Rebel - Lessons From KorahSýnishorn

Korah was ambitious to become the high priest

Korah was jealous that Aaron had been chosen as High Priest, to the exclusion of anyone else. Furthermore, his cousin, Elitzafan, had been chosen as head of the Levite family of Kehot, to which Korah belonged, and Korah felt this position was rightfully his.

So, Korah accused Moses (and Aaron) of pride and self-seeking. Korah’s complaint centered on the exclusiveness of holiness to the priesthood. He said, “Everyone is holy before God. God is among all of us, not just you.”

The truth was that Moses had not aspired to his position but God had indeed called him, and Moses did not, in fact, see himself as above the congregation.

Korah used skillful language to present his case to Moses and Aaron and came up with the logic that since all Israelites are equally sacred before the Lord, no one person should be treated special. Their argument is a classic case of a false conclusion constructed on a true premise.

He said, “You take too much upon yourselves, for all the congregation is holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them.” This was a clever attack. Korah acted as if he represented the people and fought for their interests. The truth was that he desired a following and a position for himself.

He confronted Moses and Aaron and claimed that he had appointed his brother as High Priest on his own accord, without being instructed to do so by God. They further demanded that they all be allowed to serve as High Priests. Rebels and divisive persons have always used such words for their cause.

A divisive, contentious person will never claim to be divisive and contentious. They always consider their work a noble cause. Therefore, Christians need discernment and to look at what others do, not only at what they say.

Moses responded that this was impossible, as only one person could assume this sacred post. Moses told Korah and his company of rebels they had gone too far. There was a power struggle, and Moses would let the Lord decide who was right and wrong. To demonstrate that Aaron was indeed God-ordained, he instructed them to take pans the next day and offer incense before God, and God would accept the sacrifice of the one whom He deemed worthy.

An important lesson from Korah is not to use part of God’s Word to support what you want and twist it to fit the facts as you see them.

Quote: “I want to develop discernments that say an unapologetic "no" to ways that violate the gospel of Jesus Christ.” - Eugene Peterson

Prayer: Lord, help me never to misuse Your Word for my ends. Help me to stay true to You and Your Word in my life. Amen.