Topical Encyclopedia Korah, a significant figure in the Old Testament, is best known for his role in leading a rebellion against Moses and Aaron during the Israelites' wilderness journey. He was a Levite, specifically a descendant of Kohath, one of the three sons of Levi. The Kohathites were entrusted with the care of the most sacred objects of the tabernacle (Numbers 4:4-15).Genealogy and Background Korah was the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi (Exodus 6:18, 21). This lineage placed him in a position of considerable influence and responsibility within the Israelite community. As a Kohathite, Korah was part of the group responsible for carrying the holy furnishings of the tabernacle, a task that required both reverence and precision. The Rebellion Korah's most notable biblical account is his rebellion against Moses and Aaron, as recorded in Numbers 16. Along with Dathan, Abiram, and 250 other leaders of the community, Korah challenged the leadership of Moses and Aaron, questioning their authority and the special status of the Aaronic priesthood. Korah and his followers argued that the entire congregation was holy and that Moses and Aaron had overstepped their bounds (Numbers 16:3). Moses responded by proposing a test to determine whom the LORD had chosen. Each man was to take his censer and present incense before the LORD. The following day, the LORD instructed Moses and Aaron to separate themselves from the assembly, as He intended to consume the rebels. The earth opened up and swallowed Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, along with their households and possessions, as a divine judgment against their rebellion (Numbers 16:31-33). Fire also came forth from the LORD and consumed the 250 men offering incense (Numbers 16:35). Legacy and Descendants Despite Korah's rebellion, his descendants, known as the Korahites, continued to serve significant roles in Israel's religious life. Several psalms are attributed to the sons of Korah, indicating their continued influence and contribution to Israelite worship (e.g., Psalms 42, 44-49, 84, 85, 87, 88). These psalms reflect a deep spiritual insight and a commitment to the worship of God, suggesting that the descendants of Korah learned from their ancestor's mistakes and sought to honor God faithfully. Theological Significance Korah's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride, rebellion, and challenging divinely appointed leadership. It underscores the importance of recognizing and respecting God's chosen order and the consequences of failing to do so. The narrative also highlights God's justice and the seriousness with which He regards the sanctity of His worship and leadership structure. References in the New Testament Korah is mentioned in the New Testament in Jude 1:11, where his rebellion is cited as an example of ungodliness and a warning against those who reject authority and pursue their own selfish desires. This reference reinforces the enduring lesson of Korah's account and its relevance to the Christian community. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 6:18,21,24And the sons of Kohath; Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel: and the years of the life of Kohath were an hundred thirty and three years. Nave's Topical Index Resources Who was Dathan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that deep calls to deep (Psalm 42:7)? | GotQuestions.org Who was Heman the Ezrahite in the Psalms? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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