Numbers Profiles

KORAH

Numbers 16:1-40

Some notorious historical figures might have remained anonymous if they hadn’t tried to grab on to more than they could hold. But by refusing to be content with what they had, and by trying to get more than they deserved, they ended up with nothing. Korah, one of the Israelite leaders, was one such person.

Korah was a Levite who assisted in the daily functions of the Tabernacle. Shortly after Israel’s great rebellion against God (Numbers 13—14), Korah instigated his own mini-rebellion. He recruited a grievance committee and confronted Moses and Aaron. Their list of complaints boils down to three statements: (1) You are no better than anyone else; (2) everyone in Israel has been chosen of the Lord; (3) we don’t need to obey you. It is amazing to see how Korah twisted the first two statements—both true—to reach the wrong conclusion.

Moses would have agreed that he was no better than anyone else. He would also have agreed that all Israelites were God’s chosen people. But Korah’s application of these truths was wrong. Not all Israelites were chosen to lead. Korah’s hidden claim was this: “I have as much right to lead as Moses does.” His error cost him not only his job—a position of service that he enjoyed—but also his life.

Korah’s story gives us numerous warnings: (1) Don’t let desire for what someone else has make you discontented with what you already have. (2) Don’t try to raise your own self-esteem by attacking someone else’s. (3) Don’t use part of God’s Word to support what you want, rather than allowing its entirety to shape your wants. (4) Don’t expect to find satisfaction in power and position; God may want to work through you in the position you are now in.

Strengths and accomplishments	Popular leader; influential figure during the Exodus Mentioned among the chief men of Israel (Exodus 6) One of the first Levites appointed for special service in the Tabernacle
Weaknesses and mistakes	Failed to recognize the significant position God had placed him in Forgot that his fight was against someone greater than Moses Allowed greed to blind his common sense
Lessons from his life	There is a fine line between goals and greed If we are discontented with what we have, we may lose it without gaining anything better
Vital statistics	Where: Egypt, Sinai peninsula Occupation: Levite (Tabernacle assistant)
Key verses	“Moses said unto Korah, Hear, I pray you, ye sons of Levi: seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them? And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also?” (Numbers 16:8–10).

Korah’s story is told in Numbers 16:1–40. He is also mentioned in Numbers 26:9; Jude 1:11.