Korah’s rebellion is a significant event recorded in Numbers 16. It reveals the danger of pride, rejection of God-ordained authority, and the severe consequences of rebellion against the Lord.
Korah, a Levite and cousin of Moses and Aaron, led a rebellion against their leadership. Alongside Dathan, Abiram, and 250 leaders of the congregation, he accused Moses and Aaron of exalting themselves over the assembly. Numbers 16:3 records:
“You take too much upon yourselves, for all the congregation is holy… Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the Lord?”
Their complaint ignored the fact that Moses and Aaron had been chosen by God, not self-appointed. In response, Moses called for a test to see whom God had truly appointed. Each man was to take a censer and offer incense before the Lord.
God’s judgment came swiftly. Numbers 16:31–33 describes the outcome:
“The ground split apart under them, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up… and they perished from among the assembly.”
The 250 men offering incense were consumed by fire from the Lord. God instructed that the censers be gathered and made into a covering for the altar, serving as a warning. Numbers 16:40 says:
“To be a memorial to the children of Israel, that no outsider… should come near to offer incense before the Lord…”
The next day, the congregation blamed Moses and Aaron for the deaths, and God sent a plague that killed 14,700 more, which was only stopped when Aaron made atonement with incense.
Korah’s rebellion teaches that resisting God’s appointed leadership is ultimately a rebellion against God Himself. It underscores the seriousness of presumption, pride, and unauthorized ministry. God alone appoints those who serve in His name.