Read Numbers 16 -- 18
In Today 's Reading:
Korah leads a rebellion against Moses and Aaron; plague sent by God; Aaron's rod; duties for priests; the tithe offering
Korah, Dathan, and Abiram rebelled against Moses. With them were 250 Israelite men of good reputation who were chiefs in the community and had been called out as national assembly members. . . . Korah assembled the whole community (in a conspiracy to overthrow Moses as their leader) (Numbers 16:2,19).
Once again, Moses was confronted with opposition, this time from his own cousins and the key leaders of the 12 tribes. Two hundred fifty of the leading men of Israel were influenced by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram and rebelled against Moses and Aaron. They accused Moses and Aaron of assuming too much authority, and their argument seemed very convincing: They gathered against Moses and Aaron and accused them, You've assumed too much authority! Indeed, the entire community, every one of them, is holy, and the LORD is in their midst. Why, then, do you elevate yourselves above the LORD's assembly? (16:3). They refused to recognize that Moses and Aaron were appointed by God to lead the people and that they were actually uniting together against the LORD! (16:11).
Korah did not just make a mistake, but committed a serious sin, as recorded by Jude, who wrote: Now I want to remind you . . . the Lord, having first of all saved a people out of Egypt, later destroyed those who did not believe. . . . Woe to them! For they have traveled in the way of Cain, have abandoned themselves to the error of Balaam for profit, and have perished in Korah's rebellion (Jude 1:5,11).
Korah was a believer in God from the chosen tribe of Levi. The Kohathites were responsible for bearing the sanctuary and later would be put in charge of the music ministry in the LORD's house (I Chronicles 6:31) and were reponsible for preparing the rows of bread of the Presence for every Sabbath (9:32). However, it appears that Korah would serve the Lord only if it resulted in bringing recognition to himself.
Some self-willed and self-pleasing people refuse to submit to authority or to a life of holiness. It is comforting to know that no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus (Footnote: Other mss add who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit) (Romans 8:1).
Christ Portrayed:
By Aaron and his sons who were responsible for making proper atonement for all of the iniquity of Israel (Numbers 18:1). Jesus was pierced through because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities (Isaiah 53:5); He gave Himself for us, to redeem us from all lawlessness (Titus 2:14).
Prayer Needs:
Government Officials: Sen. Mitch McConnell, Jr. (KY) · Country: Taiwan, Republic of China (22 million) 77 islands off the southeastern coast of Red China · Major language: Mandarin Chinese · Religious freedom · 70% Chinese folk-religions/Buddhism; 3% Protestant; 1.5% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Encourage others to praise the Lord throughout the day (Psalms 67:5).
Optional Reading: Luke 7
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:10