Topical Bible: Citizens: Wicked: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram

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Topical Encyclopedia

Korah, Dathan, and Abiram are notable figures in the Old Testament, recognized for their rebellion against Moses and Aaron, which is detailed in the Book of Numbers. Their account serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of challenging divinely appointed leadership and the dangers of pride and disobedience.

Background and Lineage

Korah was a Levite, a descendant of Kohath, and a cousin of Moses and Aaron. Dathan and Abiram were sons of Eliab, from the tribe of Reuben. The Reubenites, as descendants of Jacob's firstborn, may have felt entitled to leadership roles, which could have fueled their discontent.

The Rebellion

The account of their rebellion is found in Numbers 16. Korah, along with Dathan, Abiram, and 250 other community leaders, confronted Moses and Aaron, questioning their leadership and accusing them of exalting themselves above the assembly of the LORD. They said, "You have gone too far! For all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?" (Numbers 16:3).

Korah's challenge was not merely against Moses and Aaron but against God's established order. By questioning the leadership of Moses and Aaron, Korah and his followers were, in essence, questioning God's authority and His choice of leaders.

Divine Judgment

Moses, recognizing the gravity of the rebellion, proposed a test to determine whom the LORD had chosen. The next day, Korah and his followers were to present themselves before the LORD with censers filled with incense. The LORD's response was swift and decisive. He instructed Moses to separate the congregation from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. Moses warned the people, "Depart now from the tents of these wicked men! Do not touch anything that belongs to them, or you will be swept away because of all their sins" (Numbers 16:26).

As a sign of divine judgment, the ground opened up and swallowed Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and their households, along with all their possessions. Fire also came forth from the LORD and consumed the 250 men offering incense (Numbers 16:31-35).

Legacy and Lessons

The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram is referenced in other parts of Scripture as a warning against rebellion and disobedience. In Jude 1:11, the "rebellion of Korah" is cited as an example of those who oppose God's authority.

Their account underscores the importance of humility, obedience, and respect for God's chosen leaders. It serves as a reminder that rebellion against divinely appointed authority is ultimately rebellion against God Himself. The severe consequences faced by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram highlight the seriousness with which God views such actions and the importance of maintaining order and reverence within the community of faith.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 16:1
Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men:
Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 26:9
And the sons of Eliab; Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. This is that Dathan and Abiram, which were famous in the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against the LORD:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Psalm CVI.
... none shall be born, will not contain citizens who shall ... after he saith, "Then shall
that Wicked be revealed ... Dathan and Abiram were laymen; Korah and others were ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cvi.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... and the small classes of virtuous citizens of other ... passeth also the sentence upon
the wicked that live ... Will they not rather imitate Korah, Dathan, and Abiram's ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm