Topical Encyclopedia Introduction to Envy in the Biblical ContextEnvy, a destructive and sinful emotion, is frequently addressed in the Bible as a vice that leads to discord and rebellion against God's ordained order. It is characterized by a resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or achievements. The account of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram's rebellion against Moses is a poignant biblical example of envy leading to dire consequences. The Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram The account of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram is found in the Book of Numbers, chapter 16. Korah, a Levite, along with Dathan and Abiram, who were from the tribe of Reuben, led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron during the Israelites' wilderness journey. Their grievance was rooted in envy and a desire for power and prestige. Korah, along with 250 leaders of the congregation, challenged the leadership of Moses and Aaron, questioning their authority and expressing a desire for a more egalitarian priesthood. 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). This challenge was not merely against Moses and Aaron but against God's chosen order. The Sin of Envy The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram is a classic example of envy manifesting as insubordination and rebellion. Their dissatisfaction with their God-given roles led them to covet the positions of Moses and Aaron. Envy blinded them to the responsibilities and burdens that came with leadership, focusing instead on the perceived honor and power. Divine Judgment God's response to this rebellion was swift and severe. Moses, under divine instruction, proposed a test to determine whom God had chosen. The next day, as the rebels presented their censers before the LORD, the earth opened up and swallowed Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and their households, while fire consumed the 250 men offering incense (Numbers 16:31-35). This dramatic judgment served as a clear indication of God's disapproval of their envious rebellion. Lessons from the Rebellion The account of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of envy and the importance of respecting God's established order. It underscores the need for humility and contentment with one's divinely appointed role. The New Testament also warns against envy, as seen in James 3:16 : "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." Conclusion The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram is a sobering reminder of the destructive power of envy. It highlights the importance of recognizing and resisting envious thoughts and actions, trusting in God's wisdom and sovereignty in the distribution of roles and responsibilities within His kingdom. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 16:3And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said to them, You take too much on you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: why then lift you up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD? Nave's Topical Index Psalm 106:16-18 Library Endurance of the World's Censure. Epistle Lxxii. To Jubaianus, Concerning the Baptism of Heretics. The Census of Israel Treatise i. On the Unity of the Church. Letter Xciii. (AD 408. ) On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians Index of Subjects. A vindication of Gospel Truths Opened, The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: Resources What are capital sins? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about jealousy? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard? | GotQuestions.org Envy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Envy: A Proof of Carnal-Mindedness Envy: Excited by Good Deeds of Others Envy: General Scriptures Concerning Envy: Inconsistent With the Gospel Envy: Jews, of Paul and Barnabas Envy: Joseph's Brethren, of Joseph Envy: Joshua, of Eldad and Medad Envy: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, of Moses Envy: Leads to Every Evil Work Envy: Miriam and Aaron, of Moses Envy: Produced by Foolish Disputation Envy: Prosperity of the Wicked should not Excite Envy: The Princes of Babylon, of Daniel Related Terms Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences) Long-suffering (23 Occurrences) |
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