133. Korah’s Rebellion

Numbers 15:32–16:14

 First, there is a report of a Sabbath desecrator who gathered wood on the Sabbath and was stoned by God’s express command. God is zealous for his law. In New Testament terms, this means that those who openly despise the divine Word should be excluded from the Christian congregation. He who despises the Word corrupts and condemns himself.

We also hear here of the rebellion of Korah’s band. Korah, the Levite, along with Dathan and Abiram and a following of 250 prominent men, murmured and rebelled against Moses and Aaron, the leaders of the people appointed by God. They scoffed at their office and how they carried it out: “Fine job you’ve done bringing us into a land flowing with milk and honey!” But Israel itself had forfeited its inheritance through its unbelief. They accused Moses and Aaron of killing the people in the desert, while it was the Lord who had pronounced this judgment on Israel. They accused them of wanting to rule over the people, while they themselves really desired the priesthood and rule for themselves.

As it was the case in the days of the Old Testament, so it is still today in the New Testament church. False apostles disputed the office that Christ’s apostles had received from the Lord. In Christian congregations, false teachers and other proud spirits appear now and again, setting themselves up as leaders, who oppose the preaching office ordained by God and mock it. When honest preachers reprove sin according to God’s Word and carry out their office according to God’s will, they call it strict, tyrannical, power-hungry, and proud. But they are really only seeking their own benefit and their own prestige. And such loose spirits always find followers.