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Question Regarding the Rebellion of Korah In Numbers 16 we read of the rebellion of Korah. This man was a Levite and charged Moses with exalting himself over the nation of Israel. Specifically Korah was of the lineage of Kohath which meant they were not part of the priesthood but were in charge of taking care of the holy things connected with the tent of meeting. Dathan and Abiram joined in with Korah in rebellion against Moses. They charged him with not providing the land of milk and honey as he had promised. Interestingly they were leaving God totally out of the picture. Moses was simply God's spokesman and by complaining to and about Moses they were complaining to and about God. Moses told Korah to be ready to face the Lord. "Thus Korah assembled all the congregation against them at the doorway of the tent of meeting. And the glory of the Lord appeared to all the congregation." (Numbers 16.19) It was then Moses told the people to separate themselves from these rebellious men. Korah, Dathan, and Abiram were at their tents along with their wives, their sons, and their children. The earth opened up and swallowed Korah and those with him. Not all were swallowed up for those holding firepans of incense were consumed by fire from their firepans. However, Numbers 26.10-11 reads, "and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up along with Korah, when that company died, when the fire devoured 250 men, so that they became a warning. The sons of Korah, however, did not die." The question refers to the household of Korah being killed but not all of his sons dying. The answer is that not all of Korah's sons were involved in the rebellion. God did not punish those who separated themselves from the rebellion. Therefore, they were not punished for the sins of their father, but for their own sins. The children of Israel did not learn their lesson for after the death of Korah the congregation came together the next day and accused Moses of being responsible. God killed 14,700 more that day and the number would have been greater if not for Moses and Aaron interceding on behalf of the people. There is no indication just the household of Korah were complaining on this occasion. The lesson being that God punishes the disobedient and spares the innocent. -- Dennis Tucker |