Korah / Korach “Unholy Desire” Torah Portion: Numbers 16:1-18:32, Haf Tarah: Isaiah 66:1-24, Brit Chadashah: 2 Timothy As the Children of Israel journeyed from Mount Sinai toward Canaan, they had received the Torah and were walking with great expectation to the Promise Land. With the Lord in the midst of their encampment, they had seen God’s great wonders and overcame many obstacles. Having been slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt, the people were now adapting to Godly order and Moses’ leadership. Through Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, further administrative structure was implemented and leaders were established to keep peace and order among the tribes…but there were murmurings of pride and discontent arising within the camp. Along with 250 others, Korah challenges God’s leadership of Moses and Aaron. “They gathered together against Moses and Aaron and said to them, “You take too much upon yourselves, for all the congregation is holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them. Why then do you exalt yourself above the assembly of the Lord?” (Numbers 16:3 NKJV) Even though Korah’s words were veiled in religious equality, Moses recognized Korah’s outright rebellion against God and quickly falls on his face before the Lord. God’s response through Moses appears to come quickly as He instructs the people to assemble the very next day. “Tomorrow morning the Lord will show who is His and who is holy, and will cause him to come near to Him. That one whom He chooses He will cause to come near to him.” (Numbers 16:5 NKJV) To demonstrate His will, God instructs each of the tribal leaders, the chosen and the challengers, to place a staff before the Ark of the Covenant in the Tabernacle. “And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ‘Speak to the children of Israel, and get from them a rod from each father’s house, all their leaders according to their fathers’ houses—twelve rods. Write each man’s name on his rod. And you shall write Aaron’s name on the rod of Levi. For there shall be one rod for the head of each father’s house. Then you shall place them in the tabernacle of meeting before the Testimony, where I meet with you. And it shall be that the rod of the man whom I choose will blossom; thus I will rid Myself of the complaints of the children of Israel, which they make against you.” (Numbers 17:1-5 NKJV) Ironically, this Torah Portion is named for Korah (Korach). Is it possible that God was honoring his rebellion? Literally translated, Korah, means “to remove one’s covering”. A deeper look reveals that the meaning of Korah’s name is “bald spot”. Whenever a bald spot appears on the head, it brings a marked discontinuity where, at one time there was continuous hair. The formation of the bald spot carries a connotation of division – creating a separation where previously there had been unity. At first glance, it appears that Korah was creating division by rebelling against the very institution of the priesthood, or at least against its special status, saying, “…all the congregation is holy, and the Lord dwells in their midst, why then do you elevate yourself above the congregation of the Lord?” However, it soon becomes apparent that Korah and his followers did not despise the leadership of the priesthood, but rather they sought the priesthood for themselves, and did not want the High Priest’s office assigned solely to Aaron. Korah was seeking a democracy in the midst of a kingdom! The spirit of Korah’s rebellion can be operating unawares in our own lives. Beneath the surface, out of view, the seed of discontent can cause division and separation – a growing discontinuity. Pride and self-elevation, knowledge of the Torah, arrogance, and a judgmental spirit, assuredly, the Holy One sees and knows our hearts. Korah was a son of Levi, birthed like Aaron into the priesthood. Korah had position, influence, authority, and specific responsibilities given by the LORD. Korah’s name was destined to stand out within the Torah itself and he received an inheritance that would pass to his generations. Still, Korah sought to usurp God’s authority and unfortunately he emerged only as a leader of rebellion, driven by an unholy desire. The earth subsequently swallowed Korah, along with his 250 followers. Korah’s sons however, repented! Their repentance before God is counted as merit throughout the generations and the name of Korah is restored and continues as the name for this Torah Portion. Even through dissention, God exalts His own, so Korah remains as an example of God’s sovereignty – God’s will prevails. The rod of leadership carried in the spirit of Korah remains lifeless and barren. It is Aaron’s rod that blossomed. Aaron’s rod is the symbol of an office of authority appointed by God. Aaron’s special tribute was everlasting love. He drew the people near to the service of God. By walking in his priestly role, he elevated the whole body to a higher status
Posted on: Wed, 12 Jun 2013 04:05:07 +0000
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