Topical Encyclopedia The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses is a significant event recorded in the Book of Numbers, specifically in chapter 16. This episode highlights the challenges to divinely appointed leadership and the consequences of rebellion against God's chosen servants.Background and Context The rebellion occurs during the Israelites' wilderness journey after their exodus from Egypt. Moses, as God's appointed leader, and Aaron, as the high priest, were guiding the people towards the Promised Land. However, discontent and unrest were brewing among certain factions within the Israelite community. The Rebels Korah, a Levite from the Kohathite clan, along with Dathan and Abiram, who were from the tribe of Reuben, spearheaded the rebellion. They were joined by 250 well-known community leaders, who were men of renown. Their grievance was rooted in a challenge to the authority of Moses and Aaron, questioning why they should hold such exclusive leadership roles. The Accusation Korah and his followers accused Moses and Aaron of exalting themselves above the assembly of the Lord. They argued that the entire congregation was holy and that the Lord was among them all, implying that Moses and Aaron had no right to elevate themselves above the rest. Numbers 16:3 records their words: "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?" Moses' Response Upon hearing their accusations, Moses fell facedown, demonstrating humility and seeking God's guidance. He proposed a test to determine whom the Lord had chosen. Each man was to take a censer, put fire and incense in it, and present it before the Lord. The man whom the Lord chose would be the holy one. Divine Judgment The following day, as the rebels stood with their censers at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the glory of the Lord appeared to the entire assembly. God instructed Moses and Aaron to separate themselves from the congregation so that He might consume the rebels instantly. However, Moses and Aaron interceded, pleading with God not to destroy the entire assembly for the sin of a few. God then commanded the congregation to move away from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. Moses declared that if these men died a natural death, then the Lord had not sent him. But if the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them alive, it would be a sign that they had treated the Lord with contempt. As soon as Moses finished speaking, the ground beneath the rebels split apart, and the earth swallowed them and their households, along with all their possessions. Fire also came out from the Lord and consumed the 250 men offering incense. Aftermath The rebellion's aftermath served as a powerful reminder of the sanctity of God's chosen leadership and the severe consequences of rebellion against divine authority. The censers of the 250 men were hammered into sheets to overlay the altar, serving as a lasting memorial and warning to the Israelites. The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram underscores the importance of recognizing and respecting God's established order and the dangers of pride and insubordination. This event is a sobering reminder of the need for humility and obedience to God's will. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 16:1Now 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 Library Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Numbers The First Book The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: Resources In what ways was Moses like Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Moses have to wear a veil? | GotQuestions.org How old was Moses when he died? How long did Moses live? | GotQuestions.org Moses: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Iconoclasm: Destroyed by Moses Moses is a Herdsman for Jethro in the Desert of Horeb Moses with Aaron Assembles the Leaders of Israel Moses with his Wife and Sons, he Leaves Jethro to Perform his Mission in Egypt Moses: A Levite and Son of Amram Moses: Appoints Joshua As his Successor Moses: Benedictions of Last Benediction Upon the Twelve Tribes Moses: Benedictions of Upon the People Moses: Character of Called the Man of God Moses: Character of Complainings of Moses: Character of God Spoke To, As a Man to his Friend Moses: Character of Impatience of Moses: Character of Magnanimity of, Toward Eldad and Medad Moses: Character of Magnified of God Moses: Character of Meekness of Moses: Character of Obedience of Moses: Character of Respected and Feared Moses: Character of Unaspiring Moses: Commissioned As Leader of the Israelites Moses: Composes a Song for the People of Israel on Their Deliverance from Pharaoh Moses: Crosses the Red Sea; Pharaoh and his Army are Destroyed Moses: Discovered and Adopted by the Daughter of Pharaoh Moses: Has the Vision of the Burning Bush Moses: Hidden in a Small Basket Moses: His Controversy With his Wife on Account of Circumcision Moses: His Loyalty to his Race Moses: His Rod Miraculously Turned Into a Serpent, and his Hand Was Made Leprous, and Then Restored Moses: Institutes a System of Government Moses: Jealousy of Aaron and Miriam Toward Moses: Joined by his Family in the Wilderness Moses: Joins Himself to Jethro, Priest of Midian Moses: Learned in all the Wisdom of Egypt Moses: Meets Aaron in the Wilderness Moses: Mourning For, Thirty Days in the Plains of Moab Moses: Not Permitted to Enter Canaan, But Views the Land from Atop Mount Pisgah Moses: People Complain Against Moses and Aaron Moses: Present With Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration Moses: Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Against Moses: Receives Comfort and Assurance from the Lord Moses: Rejected by Pharaoh; Hardships of the Israelites Increased Moses: Renews his Appeal to Pharaoh Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Irregularity in the offerings Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Making the Golden Calf Moses: Secures the Deliverance of the People and Leads Them out of Egypt Moses: Takes the Life of an Egyptian Taskmaster Moses: Under Divine Direction Brings Plagues Upon the Land of Egypt Mutiny: Israelites Against Moses Related Terms Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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