(story told in Numbers 16:1-40)
Korah was a Levite, part of the tribe chosen to serve in the tabernacle. But he wasn’t content with his role. Along with Dathan, Abiram, and 250 community leaders, Korah challenged Moses and Aaron’s leadership. He claimed that all the people were holy and questioned why Moses and Aaron held higher positions. His words sounded fair, but his heart was filled with pride and jealousy toward the authority God had given them.
When Moses heard of the rebellion, he fell facedown before God, showing humility instead of anger. He told Korah and his followers to bring censers with burning incense the next day, and God Himself would show who was truly chosen to serve as priest. Moses also warned the people to move away from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram so they wouldn’t share in their sin.
The next day, Korah and his men stood with their censers at the entrance of the tabernacle. Suddenly, the ground opened beneath them and swallowed them alive, along with their families and possessions. Fire then came out from the Lord and consumed the 250 men offering incense. It was a dramatic and terrifying judgment from God.
Afterward, God commanded Moses to have the censers collected and hammered into plates to cover the altar. They would serve as a reminder to the Israelites that only those chosen by God could serve as priests.
Korah’s story is a warning against pride and rebellion. Instead of seeking power or recognition, we are called to serve faithfully in the place God gives us. True honor comes not from challenging God’s order, but from obeying it with humility.