the son of Kohath
Kohath was one of the sons of Levi, and his descendants were responsible for the care of the most sacred objects of the tabernacle. The Kohathites had a privileged position, yet Korah's dissatisfaction shows that even those with significant roles can fall into the trap of envy and discontent. This highlights the importance of contentment and faithfulness in the roles God assigns us.

the son of Levi
Levi was one of the twelve sons of Jacob, and his descendants were set apart for religious service. The Levites were chosen by God to serve in the tabernacle, emphasizing the theme of divine election and service. Korah's rebellion against Moses and Aaron, who were also Levites, underscores the tension between divine calling and human ambition.

along with Dathan and Abiram
Dathan and Abiram were Reubenites, descendants of Jacob's firstborn son, Reuben. Their involvement in the rebellion suggests a broader discontent among the tribes, not just within the Levites. Historically, the Reubenites may have felt slighted since the birthright traditionally belonged to the firstborn. This reflects the dangers of holding onto past grievances and the destructive power of unresolved bitterness.

the sons of Eliab
Eliab was a member of the tribe of Reuben. The mention of their father highlights the familial and tribal connections that often play a role in biblical narratives. It serves as a reminder of the influence of family and community in shaping one's actions and beliefs.

and On son of Peleth
On is mentioned here but does not appear later in the narrative, suggesting he may have withdrawn from the rebellion. His inclusion and subsequent absence could symbolize the possibility of repentance and the choice to step away from sin. Peleth, his father, is not mentioned elsewhere, indicating that On's decision was personal rather than familial.

conducted a rebellion against Moses
The Hebrew word for "rebellion" is קוּם (qum), meaning to rise up or stand against. This rebellion was not just against Moses as a leader but against God's appointed order. It serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of challenging divine authority and the importance of humility and submission to God's will.

along with some of the Israelites
This phrase indicates that the rebellion was not isolated but had broader support among the people. It highlights the ease with which discontent can spread and the responsibility of leaders to address underlying issues before they escalate. It also serves as a warning to the community of believers to guard against divisive influences and to seek unity under God's guidance.

(1) Now Korah, the son of Izhar . . . --Some suppose that the copula before "Dathan and Abiram" should be omitted, and that the verse should be rendered thus: Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, took Dathan and Abiram, &c. The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram is the only important event which is recorded in connection with the protracted wandering in the desert. The time and place of its occurrence cannot be positively determined. The circumstances out of which it appears to have arisen render it probable that it took place during one of the early years of the wanderings in the wilderness, either during the abode at Kadesh or subsequently to the departure from it. In favour of the supposition that the occurrence took place during the sojourn at Kadesh, it may be urged--(1) that the history of the Israelites between the first and the second encampments at Kadesh appears to be designedly regarded and treated as a blank; and (2) that during that interval they appear to have been dispersed over the face of the wilderness, whilst the narrative of the rebellion of Korah seems to assume the concentration of the people in one place. The whole of the narrative bears the clear impress of historical truth. The leaders of the rebellion, amongst whom Korah holds the most conspicuous place (comp. Numbers 16:1; Numbers 26:9; Jude 1:11), belonged to the tribes of Levi and Reuben. Korah, as the descendant of Izhar, the brother of Amram, who was the father (or. as some maintain, the more distant ancestor) of Moses and Aaron, may well be supposed to have been jealous of the peculiar prerogatives of the priestly family, and also of the leadership of Elizaphan, the son of Uzziel (Numbers 3:30), who appears to have been the youngest son of Kohath, whilst the name of Izhar stands next to that of Amram (Numbers 3:19). Dathan and Abiram, moreover, as the sons of Eliab, the son of Pallu, the son of Reuben (Numbers 26:5-9), who was the eldest son of Jacob, may, on like grounds, be supposed to have been discontented on account of the transference of the birthright, and the consequent loss of the leadership which had been possessed by their tribe, and which was now held by the tribe of Judah. It is possible that they may have regarded the priesthood also as amongst the prerogatives of the firstborn which should have descended to them. The proximity of the Kohathites to the Reubenites--for both were encamped on the south side of the Tabernacle--afforded opportunity for their common deliberations; and it has been inferred by some, from Numbers 16:24-27, that they had erected a tabernacle in rivalry with the Tabernacle of the Congregation. No further mention is made of the name of On, nor is he expressly included in the account of the final punishment. . . .