The rebellion of Korah is an important event recorded in Numbers 16 of the Old Testament. Korah, along with Dathan, Abiram and 250 Israelite leaders, rebelled against the authority of Moses and Aaron. This rebellion had serious consequences and teaches us important lessons even today.
To provide context, the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness after being freed from slavery in Egypt. God had appointed Moses as their leader and Aaron as high priest. However, Korah and his companions became envious of the positions and authority held by Moses and Aaron.
Numbers 16:3 tells us that Korah and his followers came together against Moses and Aaron and said “You have gone too far! The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is with them. Why then do you set yourselves above the LORD’s assembly?” Essentially, they were disputing the leadership structure instituted by God Himself.
In response, Moses told Korah and his men to appear before God the next day. God would show who was holy and who should lead. When they gathered, God’s glory appeared and He told Moses and Aaron to step away so He could consume the rest. After Moses and Aaron interceded on their behalf, God relented but still brought judgement.
The earth opened up and swallowed Korah, Dathan and Abiram alive into the grave. Fire also came down from heaven and consumed the 250 leaders who supported them. The severity of this punishment shows how seriously God took this rebellion against the authorities He had established.
However, even after this severe judgement, the people still grumbled against Moses and Aaron the very next day. In response, God sent a plague that began killing many Israelites. After Aaron interceded by making atonement for them, the plague was stopped. But not before 14,700 people died.
The primary lesson from Korah’s rebellion is that God has established earthly authorities for our good, and rebelling against them is the same as rebelling against God. Those in leadership have been placed there by God, whether it be in government, church or the family (Romans 13:1-7). We are to submit to and honor them, trusting God who sovereignly appointed them.
Also, while all believers have equal access to God, He still designates some to have positions of authority for the right functioning of society. Korah’s argument that “all the people are holy” was technically true. But he failed to understand that God still grants roles and responsibilities to certain individuals for the community’s benefit.
Furthermore, despising authority often stems from an envious, greedy heart. Korah and his companions were not content with their own positions. They selfishly sought the level of responsibility and honor that Moses and Aaron had. This reveals their corrupted motives.
The New Testament commentary on Korah’s rebellion brings additional insight. Jude 1:11 describes men like Korah who “perish in Korah’s rebellion.” Rebelling against God-given authority can lead only to destruction.
Also, Titus 3:9-11 teaches that divisive people who promote or provoke dissensions should be warned and then rejected if unrepentant. By challenging Moses’ leadership, Korah was promoting disunity and discord in Israel.
In summary, the rebellion of Korah teaches us we must submit to those whom God has placed over us. Seeking to discredit or remove them indicates a proud, discontent and divisive heart. It is the same as rebelling against God. If we find ourselves disputing an authority, we should humbly examine our own hearts first.
As 1 Peter 2:13-14 states, “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority. For the Lord’s sake, submit to those who are supreme in authority.” This includes submitting even to imperfect or harsh authorities, following the example of Jesus (1 Peter 2:18-23). Our role is to honor the position, knowing God has permitted them to lead. Of course, if authorities promote open rebellion against God and His Word, we must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).
In conclusion, Korah’s rebellion illustrates the dangers of resisting God-ordained authority due to pride and discontentment. It only leads to harm, as a warning to future generations. But humbly submitting to those God has allowed to lead results in peace, unity and blessing for all.
Other Biblical Examples That Parallel Korah’s Rebellion
The rebellion of Korah was certainly not an isolated incident in the Bible. Several other examples demonstrate this same danger of resisting authority that God establishes.
Absalom’s Rebellion Against David
In 2 Samuel 15-18, David’s son Absalom led a coup against his father who was the anointed king of Israel. Driven by pride and ambition, Absalom stole the hearts of many Israelites and pronounced himself king in Hebron (2 Samuel 15:10).
This was an act of clear rebellion against God’s chosen authority. Even though David had to flee Jerusalem initially, God brought David back as the rightful king and Absalom’s rebellion ended in defeat and death. The consequences emphasize the foolishness of rebelling against God’s ordained leader.
Sheba’s Rebellion Against David
After Absalom’s death, a man named Sheba led another rebellion against King David, usurping the throne. The Bible says the men of Israel were about to follow him (2 Samuel 20:1-2). However, this was short-lived as well when Joab pursued and killed Sheba, ending the revolt. Again, God did not allow rebellion against the authorities He had permitted to continue.
Miriam and Aaron’s Rebellion Against Moses
In Numbers 12, Moses’ own siblings Miriam and Aaron began criticizing Moses over the Cushite woman he married. God quickly intervened by calling all three to the tabernacle. He affirmed His servant Moses as faithful and spoke only through Moses, not Aaron or Miriam. As punishment, God afflicted Miriam with leprosy for seven days.
This demonstrates that even close relatives can fall into the sin of disputing God’s chosen authority. God may graciously heal and restore the repentant, as He did Miriam. But it also serves as a warning that rebellion has consequences.
Characteristics of People Like Korah
Analyzing the rebellion of Korah gives insight into the characteristics of others who may try to gain power and position for themselves in an impure manner.
- Envy – they covet the influence or responsibility others have (Numbers 16:3)
- Pride – they see themselves as deserving of more honor (Numbers 16:3)
- Discontentment – they are not satisfied with their own role
- Selfish ambition – they are concerned with their own interests, not God’s (Jude 1:11, Philippians 2:3)
- Sowing discord – they stir up dissent against authorities (Proverbs 6:19)
- Unbelief – they distrust God has appointed the right leaders (Romans 13:1)
When we see evidence of some or all these traits in ourselves or others, it should serve as a warning sign. Left unchecked, it will only lead to harm as it destroys unity, order and peace.
Why Followers Go Along with Divisive Rebellion
An important detail in Korah’s account was that he had 250 renowned Israelite leaders join his rebellion. Also, the whole congregation was later ready to stone Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16:41). Why were they so eager to follow, even after seeing the terrible judgment on Korah’s company?
Here are some reasons people go along with rebellion against authority:
- They forget how God has worked through that authority in the past.
- They give in to the “grass is greener” assumption that change would bring improvement.
- They are swayed by the voice of the majority rebelling.
- They are wanting deliverance from hardship and wrongly see rebellion as the solution.
- They have their own unmet desires for power or position.
- They have a spirit of entitlement instead of gratitude for leadership.
As followers of Christ however, we need to see through these attitudes, remember God’s sovereignty, and prioritize unity and order above selfish ambition. Scripture exhorts us to submit, obey, honor, and pray for authorities, leaving any injustices to God (Romans 12:17-21). When we rebel, it demonstrates we have forgotten who instituted that authority for our own good (Romans 13:1-5).
Biblical Principles Regarding Rebelling Against Authority
1. God sovereignly institutes governing authorities
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” (Romans 13:1-2)
2. Rebelling against authority is rebelling against God
“Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.” (Proverbs 13:13)
3. Discontentment with God’s provision leads to disputing His authorities
“Now Korah…became insolent too. The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the people who belonged to Korah… But on the next day all the congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and against Aaron, saying, ‘You have killed the people of the Lord.’” (Numbers 16:1, 32-41)
4. God may permit rebellious authorities to arise as judgment
“They have set up kings, but not through me. They have made princes, but I knew it not. Of their silver and gold they have made idols for their own destruction.” (Hosea 8:4)
5. Unjust authorities should be resisted through proper means
“Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, ‘Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges!’” (Acts 4:18-19)
Warnings Against Rebellion in the New Testament
The New Testament contains several warnings to avoid the same mindset that Korah modeled by rebelling against God-ordained authority:
1 Peter 2:13-17 – “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution… Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”
Romans 13:1-7 – “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God…Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.”
Hebrews 13:17 – “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls and will give an account.”
Titus 3:1-2 – “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”
While there are certainly examples of just resisting authority in the Bible, the default position for believers is submission, honor and intercession. We can gently appeal through proper means, but anything that undermines order and unity should be avoided. We trust God who knows their hearts and will perfectly judge in the end (1 Samuel 16:7).
Examples of Godly Responses to Abusive Authority
Although most authority deserves honor and obedience, there are times corrupt leaders abuse their power and must be resisted. In these cases, believers should mimic the example of certain godly individuals in Scripture:
Joseph obeyed despite being sold by his brothers
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” (Genesis 50:20)
David honored Saul despite being betrayed
“But David said to Abishai, ‘Do not destroy him, for who can put out his hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?'” (1 Samuel 26:9)
Jeremiah preached faithfully though persecuted
“They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace.” (Jeremiah 8:11)
Stephen prayed for his murderers while being stoned
“And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7:60)
Paul appealed to Caesar though falsely accused
“But Paul said to them, ‘They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.'” (Acts 16:37)
We see their example was marked by honor, love, gentleness and patience. They allowed room for God’s justice instead of taking matters into their own hands.
Circling Back to Korah
In closing, Korah’s rebellion stands as a perpetual warning against resisting authorities God has instituted for our good. Though they may have flaws, we are still called to respond with humility, prayer and obedience as far as conscience allows.
To rebel is to put ourselves in opposition to God’s established order. Though leaders will answer to God for their conduct, He also holds us accountable for how we respond – whether it be with respect or resentment, faith or fear.
As Christ-followers, may we be known for our unity and gratitude, not distrust and dissension. And may we regularly pray for those God has allowed to lead us (1 Timothy 2:1-3).
