S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

The story of the rebellion of Korah is recorded in Numbers 16. The rebellion of Korah demonstrates the grim consequences of usurping the authority of God and of those whom He has chosen to be leade...

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July 01 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Dan Dao Supporter Missionary - Gods steps ministries

Korahs rebellion to modern day Christians teaches us to NEVER challenge or dishonor the authority of God. It is the will of God that those whom God has put over us that we should submit to them and do what they say in the Lord. Rebellion against the people God has appointed over us is rebellion against God. And as in the times of Korah Gods wrath will be upon you and those who support your rebellion. It's better to learn to be like Jesus who said am humble and gentle in the spirit which will help us to be submissive to authorities that God has put in charge of us. Blessings good people.

April 14 2016 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

Having just been chastened to wander the wilderness for 40 years after their faithless refusal to attack and conquer the promised land (Numbers 14), the Israelites may have been susceptible to following other leaders with the hope of bettering their luck (compare Numbers 14:4). Not only do the efforts described here fail, but they also cost many lives.


There is at least one lesson we can learn. It is the need for discipline. Korah directed 250 worship leaders to rebel against Moses and Aaron. Who were these worship leaders? They were Levites, assistants to the priests. But God said that Aaron and sons were the priests alone. No one else. However, Korah appeared to think Levites should get to be priests as well. 

Moses let God decide. 

After meeting at the appointed place, the worship center, the ground cracked open and swallowed Korah and the other top leaders!

Korah, along with Dathan and Abiram, rebel against the Lord (Numbers 16:11), but not against Him alone but also against their own lives (Numbers 16:38). See also Hebrews 10:31 (KJV). I memorized the book of Jude, and Jude 11 says regarding a warning about false teachers, “Woe unto them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.” “Core” is “Korah.” “Gainsaying” signifies “rebellion” (NIV), “to say against, to oppose in word and actions, to rebel.” Compare Paul’s farewell message to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:28-31), warning about proud people who would try to become the authorities in the church and promote themselves. Jesus said much the same thing: 

“15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” 

Is it not likely that more churches have suffered a church split due to arrogant leadership rather than by false teaching? 

See the big picture in Jude, recalling that "Core" is "Korah":
Three Stages of Apostasy Jude 11
1 The Way of Cain, the Self-righteous—Natural apostasy—opposed to Christ, the Way
2 The Error of Balaam, the Self-interested—Sacrificial apostasy—opposed to Christ the Truth
3 The Gainsaying of Core, the Self-willed—Ecclesiastical apostasy—opposed to Christ the Life
The end of those who Go in the way of Cain—is to be banished, like Cain Gen. 4:14,16
Run greedily after the error of Balaam—is to be admonished, like Balaam 2 Pet. 2:16
Follow in the gainsaying of Core—is to be punished, like Korah Num. 16:32

February 10 2020 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What was the significance of the rebellion of Korah?

While in the wilderness, a serious rebellion broke out against the authority of Moses and Aaron. It was led by a Levite named Korah, together with the Reubenites Dathan, Abiram, and On, who complained against their leadership. Jehovah caused the earth to open beneath the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, swallowing them and their households. At the same time, Korah himself and 250 of his coconspirators were destroyed by fire. (Nu 16:1-35) 

Korah's Rebellion (Numbers 16) was significant as a powerful biblical warning against challenging divinely appointed authority, fueled by pride, envy, and discontent with God's chosen leaders (Moses and Aaron), resulting in divine judgment (the earth swallowing the rebels) and teaching lessons about humility, obedience, and the importance of accepting one's God-given role in the community. It established Korah as an archetype of rebellion, referenced later in the New Testament (Jude 1:11) as a cautionary example for future generations. 

Significance & Lessons of the Rebellion of Korah:

1: Challenging God's Appointed Order: Korah, a Levite, coveted the priesthood reserved for Aaron and his sons, viewing it as arbitrary rather than God's decree, thus questioning God's selection.

2: Pride and Envy: The rebellion stemmed from personal ambition and jealousy, highlighting the destructive nature of discontent with one's position.

3: Divine Authority: The narrative emphasises that opposing Moses and Aaron was, in fact, opposing God, who established their leadership.

4: Consequences of Rebellion: God demonstrated His judgment by making the earth swallow Korah, his followers, and their families, showing the severe consequences for usurping sacred roles.

5: Cautionary Tale: Korah became the ultimate symbol of insubordination, serving as a perpetual warning in Jewish tradition and Christian scripture (Jude 1:11) against challenging God's established authority.

6: Humility & Service: It underscores the need for humility, contentment, and recognising that all roles within God's community are essential, even seemingly "small" ones (1 Corinthians 12:21). 

7: Redemption of the Sons of Korah: Although their father perished, the sons of Korah did not join the rebellion and survived (Numbers 26:11). Their descendants later became temple musicians and doorkeepers, and are credited with writing several Psalms (e.g., 42, 44–49, 84), illustrating God's mercy and the possibility of a new legacy. 

Conclusion:

Korah rebelled against Jehovah's arrangement because he became proud and overconfident. (Nu 16:1-3)

Korah was a respected Levite who already enjoyed many privileges. (Nu 16:8-10)

Korah's wrong thinking had dire consequences. (Nu 16:32, 35)

The sons of Korah did not follow their father in rebellion, as it seems apparent from the Bible record, for it states: "However, the sons of Korah did not die." (Nu 26:9-11) Korah's descendants later became prominent in Levitical service.​

The rebellion of Korah, recorded in Numbers 16, was a pivotal challenge to the divinely established leadership and priestly structure of Israel during their wilderness wanderings. It serves as a stark biblical warning against pride, envy, and the rejection of God's ordained order. 

We must not allow our achievements in Jehovah's service to lead us into pride and overconfidence. The longer we have been in the truth or the weightier our responsibilities, the more humble we need to be.

5 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report