Topical Bible: The Anger of God: Exemplified Against: Korah

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The account of Korah's rebellion is a significant example of God's anger in the Old Testament, illustrating the consequences of defying divine authority and leadership. This event is recorded in the Book of Numbers, specifically in Numbers 16.

Background and Rebellion:

Korah, a Levite and a cousin of Moses and Aaron, led a rebellion against their leadership. Alongside Dathan, Abiram, and On, and supported by 250 prominent community leaders, Korah challenged the authority of Moses and Aaron, questioning why they exalted themselves above the assembly of the LORD. Korah's argument was based on the premise that the entire congregation was holy, and thus, he saw no reason for Moses and Aaron to hold special positions of leadership.

Numbers 16:3 states, "They came together against Moses and Aaron and told them, 'You have gone too far! All the congregation is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?'"

Divine Response:

Moses, upon hearing this, fell facedown, indicating his distress and seeking God's guidance. He proposed a test to determine whom the LORD had chosen. Each man was to take his censer and present it before the LORD. The next day, the LORD would show who was holy and whom He had chosen.

God's anger was kindled against Korah and his followers for their rebellion. The LORD instructed Moses and Aaron to separate themselves from the assembly so that He might consume them in an instant. However, Moses and Aaron interceded, pleading with God not to destroy the entire congregation for the sin of one man.

Judgment Executed:

The LORD commanded Moses to instruct the people to move away from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. Moses warned the assembly that if these men died a natural death, then the LORD had not sent him. However, if the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them alive, it would be a sign that these men had treated the LORD with contempt.

Numbers 16:31-33 records the dramatic judgment: "As soon as Moses had finished saying all this, the ground beneath them split open, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, all Korah’s men and all their possessions. They went down alive into Sheol with all they owned. The earth closed over them, and they vanished from the assembly."

Furthermore, fire came out from the LORD and consumed the 250 men offering incense, demonstrating God's wrath against those who presumed to take on the priestly role without divine appointment.

Significance:

The rebellion of Korah serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness with which God views rebellion against His appointed leaders and the sanctity of His established order. It underscores the importance of humility, obedience, and respect for God's chosen instruments. The anger of God, as exemplified in this narrative, highlights His holiness and the severe consequences of challenging His authority.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 16:31,35
And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground split asunder that was under them:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... Will they not rather imitate Korah, Dathan, and Abiram's ... shame by their sin, and
God his anger, by taking ... notice of such high outgoings of God against them and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... face, thy conscience uttering itself with thunder-claps against thee, the thoughts
of God terrifying of ... into hell, far worse than even did Korah, &c., when ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm