Don’t Be a Rebel - Lessons From Korahनमुना

Who was Korah?

Korah was the son of Izhar, a great-grandson of Levi, the third of Jacob’s twelve sons, and a first cousin to Moses and Aaron, the Jewish leader and High Priest, respectively. (Ex. 6:21).

Korah was born in Egypt at the time when the Jews were enslaved to Pharaoh. He experienced the miraculous exodus from Egypt, journeyed through the Red Sea on dry land, and received the Torah at Mount Sinai along with the rest of his brethren.

He was equal in rank with Aaron within the tribe of Levi. He was an influential, well-known religious leader among his tribe. He was a clever and astute individual. His status as a member of the Levite tribe enabled him to participate in the service in the tabernacle, the portable sanctuary the Jews carried with them throughout their journey to the Promised Land. As a descendant of Kohath, Korah’s job was to help transport the holy furnishings of the sanctuary—the ark of the covenant, the altar, the lampstand, and so on (Numbers 4:1-20).

But despite, and perhaps because of his many qualities, he felt able to take a stance against Moses and Aaron, ultimately leading to his downfall.

Korah was envious of Moses and Aaron’s leadership positions. This envy was combined with selfish ambition, resulting in strife and rebellion.

The Bible tells us in James 3:16, “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”

Grumbling and complaining are never harmless. They may seem harmless. We may even have grown comfortable with sins like these in our own lives. But they can produce the fruit of active rebellion against God and often breed unrest in the hearts of those around us (James 1:14-15).

Korah enlisted the help of his friends and incited many to rise against God’s chosen leaders. We must remember that God will not be mocked. If we foster discontent in our hearts and sow it in those around us, we will indeed be held responsible for our sin, but others may also suffer the consequences (Galatians 6:7).

Have you allowed an attitude of grumbling and complaining to take control of your life? Like the spirit of Korah, it will bring destruction to individuals, families, businesses, and churches.

Quote: Hell begins with a grumbling mood, always complaining, always blaming others. – C. S. Lewis

Prayer: Lord, I pray that you would help me to be thankful for what you have given me and not complain about what I do not have, knowing that this attitude is very destructive. Amen