The Response of Moshe
16: 4-11
The response of Moshe DIG: Why was Moses and Aaron’s leadership challenged by Korah and his followers? How did Moshe react? How did Moses’ reaction display the kind of characteristics necessary for God’s leader? How was Aaron’s position of leadership challenged in this parashah? Whose idea was it to bring censers with burning coals and incense before ADONAI?
REFLECT: Ask the Lord to give you the ability to honor those He has placed in authority over you. What should be the proper attitude toward our spiritual leaders today? When would it be right to remove a Messianic rabbi or pastor from a position of responsibility? Ask the Lord to show you His purpose for your life. Ask Him to help you to be faithful and content in the purpose.
Moshe had six responses to the attack by Korah and his followers.
Discontent with merely serving as Levites, the men of Korah’s rebellion sought the privileges of the priesthood (to see link click Co – The Rebellion of Korah). Moses answered their complaint by giving them exactly what they wanted. He gave them the opportunity to step over the line and enter the priestly service by attempting to offer incense with the morning sacrifice.307
First, Moses fell on his face in a gesture of intercession to God: As happened so frequently, Moses’ response before this band of rebels was that of a true prophet. He was sudden, dramatic, and decisive. When Moshe heard this he fell on his face in despair as a gesture of intercession to YHVH, since he knew this conspiracy was an attack on God more than an attack on himself and Aaron (16:4). Why should all the people die because of the sin of these men? Moses frequently had to intercede for the people, and they probably didn’t appreciate what he had done for them. On two occasions, God was ready to destroy the entire nation, but Moshe’s intercession saved them (Exodus 32:7-14 and Numbers 14:10).308 The text does not say how long Moses was on his face. But between verses 4 and 5 there seems to have been a conversation between Moshe and YHVH. When he arose, he said to Korah and his whole group, “In the morning, ADONAI will show who are His, and who is the holy person to lead Isra’el and the priesthood, respectively. Yes, He will bring whomever He chooses near to himself” (16:5).
Second, Moshe challenged Korah and his followers to a showdown: His enemies had asked for a showdown and Moses would give it to them, but it would be far more than they had bargained for. Once and for all the role of Moses in Isra’el would be defined. One way or another . . . tomorrow would tell.309 You, Korah, and all your followers are to do this: Tomorrow take censers and put burning coals and incense in them before ADONAI at the entrance of the Tabernacle (16:6-7a). The offering of incense was an exclusive priestly prerogative and anyone else who offered it did so at the risk of their own lives.310 By putting the test off to the next morning, Moshe was granting them the time to think seriously about the consequences of their rebellion (Second Peter 3:9). Would they be willing to stake their lives on their claims? Moreover, the test also put the burden of proof upon ADONAI Himself and not upon Moshe, Aaron or Korah. Moses was completely trusting God to either vindicate him or show that Korah was correct. The one whom ADONAI chooses will be the one who is holy (16:7b)! They were to stand in front of the Tabernacle and wait for the LORD’s response. This was a life and death test. If their incense was acceptable, they would live. If not, then they would follow the fate of Nadab and Abihu (see Leviticus Bh – The Death of Nadab and Abihu).
The third response by Moshe was to Korah alone: Moses reminded Korah that the Levites were greatly privileged. They were allowed to approach Ha’Shem by assisting the priests and to serve the people in a place of honor, as a buffer between God’s presence and the rest of the twelve tribes. Not content with that great honor, they aspired to the office of priest as well. Their envy in not being priests, however, was equivalent to mutiny.311 Then Moshe threw the words of Korah (16:3) right back in his face, “It is you who have gone too far, you sons of Levi! Isn’t it enough that the God of Isra’el has separated you from the community of Isra’el to bring you close to Himself, so that you can do the work in the Tabernacle of ADONAI and stand before the community serving them” (16:7c-9)?
Korah was the ringleader, but all in his company were culpable. He has brought you close and all your brothers the sons of Levi with you. Not only that, but they also had the privilege of transporting the most holy things when the Tabernacle and the nation were on the move (see At – The Clan of Kohath).312 Now you want the office of priest too (16:10)! The Levites were a special tribe, they were the caretakers of the Tabernacle, and the teachers of Isra’el. But they weren’t satisfied with that, and just like Satan, they wanted more. Lucifer wanted to be like God (see the commentary on Isaiah Dp – How You Have Fallen from Heaven, O Morning Star). The same action is duplicated in all those who do not recognize God’s order and blessing in their lives. That’s why you and your group have gathered together against ADONAI! After all, what sin has Aaron committed that you complain against him (16:11)? Moshe’s language was incredulous, as though to say, “What did Aaron ever do to you that you should go against him?
In contrast with the humility and gratitude of Moses and Aaron, we can see the pride (Proverbs 16:18-20) and selfishness of Korah and his followers. A humble, grateful person thanks the LORD for any task, and carries it out faithfully. In the Dispensation of Grace, each believer has his or her own spiritual gift that God has given them (see the commentary on First Corinthians Cj – The Varieties of Spiritual Gifts). However, a prideful person such as Korah, selfishly desiring a bigger role and a larger slice of the action in God’s Kingdom, was, in fact, an enemy of God. And anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God (James 4:4b). Anytime one begins to view his or her ministry as “my ministry,” such a one is in danger of standing in Korah’s sandals.313
Dear Great Father, Praise You for how wonderful and Awesome You are! Thank You that though You are Almighty in power and could immediately wipe out anyone who is full of pride in themselves, You offer repentance for those who turn from their sinful heart attitude to lovingly follow You. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some consider slowness. Rather, He is being patient toward you – not wanting anyone to perish, but for all to come to repentance (Second Peter 3:9). Even when we have a ministry that honors You – it is still not ‘Our ministry,’ but rather it is “Your ministry’ and a joy that You allow us the blessing and privilege of serving You, our great and gracious King and Savior! We love to give You glory by thinking of Your awesome qualities, which also brings great peace to our hearts and minds! In Messiah Yeshua’s holy Name and power of His resurrection. Amen
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