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Korach

12 June 2010

Numbers 16:1-18:32

1 Samuel 11:14-12:22

Isaiah 66 (due to Rosh Chodesh)

Rom. 13:1-7

Numbers, Chapter 16: Rebellion in the wilderness

Moses summons Dathan and Abiram

G-d responds

Doubt was planted in peoples’ minds

Moses interceded with G-d in defense of the nation

He urged the people to distance themselves from Korah because G-d will have His way

G-d creates a phenomenon-an earthquake

Chapter.17: Protest and confirmation

The people were not ready to admit the miracles they had seen

Moses was confirmed as the leader and Aaron as high priest

Moses intervenes again

A new proof of the selection of Aaron, the rod that budded

The fears remain because the rest were not sure of their stance now that Aaron’s family was given exclusive status

Chapter 18:

Aaron’s duties reiterated

Gifts to the Cohanim as a reward for their service and as a sign of public affirmation

Tithes to the Levites as a reward for devotion to sacred service

Moses and Aaron interceded for the people after the people rebelled against G-D and His servants.

As we read the Parasha of Korach we see two main themes.  First is rebellion and second is emphasis on gifts for the priests and Levites. G-d disciplined His people because of their murmuring and rebelling.  We read from Rav Shaul in Phil.2:14, as he was remembering this incident, G-d’s people are commanded not to complain. If He gives commands to not complain, and we do anyway, then we are in sin.

Rebellion, and murmurings like that of Korach and the Israelites, leads to destruction of congregations.  You can go to First Fruits of Zion and read their article this year about how rebellion brings destruction and splits within the body of believers today. I see rebellion in this way, as one author states, “complaining in this way gives evidence of unbelief and lack of gratitude in our hearts toward G-d.”

Rebellion is an act of defiance against established order and authority.  We can see in this week’s HafTorah, where G-d’s people reject His authority and make Samuel anoint Saul as king.

All laws that G-d gives are meant to protect us, guide us and bless us.  For us, the best thing we can do is not complain, accept G-d’s will, thank Him for all His provisions, and move forward to the Promised Land. Do not be like the Israelites who remained in the desert.  Go forward to the reward He has for us.

Shabbat Shalom,

Shavua Tov

Rabbi Z.

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