Most every coup that I can think of throughout history usually has two principal players: The one in power, and another already somewhat-powerful figure that wants to take power from them. Cronies and/or support staff are usually involved on both sides. When neither one blinks, a civil war erupts.
That seems to be the pattern for Korah’s rebellion in Numbers 16. On one side, Korah, Dathan and Abiram confront Moses, along with a sizable number of the “leading men” in Israel. On the other is Moses and Aaron. And God.
It’s fascinating to read their accusations. When Korah stands before Moses, he says that Moses has gone “too far” in exalting himself above the rest of Israel. They’re all holy; why should he be any more special?
Listen to Moses’ rebuke in verse seven, though. After outlining the test to determine who God has exalted, he then replies that it was Korah and his crew, not him or Aaron, that have “gone far enough.”
Let’s be clear here: The only reason anyone lines up on either side of a rebellion is because each party believes they have a legitimate case. Korah is in the right here, according to his friends. They believe Moses has taken too much authority for himself. The same is true for Moses, albeit vice-versa.
Who is right? Who has truly gone “too far”?
Of course, we know the ending to the story. God appears and tells them who is truly in the wrong. Spoiler: It’s Korah. He dies and Moses is proven as the rightful leader.
But there’s a lot in these accusations. In Korah’s mind, Moses led the people out of Egypt, but then rode that train to a position of permanent power. In his mind, the deliverer shouldn’t always be the one to rule, too.
Moses appeals to the gifts that Korah has already been given and, in doing so, exposes the true nature of Korah’s charges. He reminds Korah that God has already drawn him close to Himself and has separated them from the rest of the congregation to serve at the Tabernacle (Numbers 16:9-10)
Does he want to be a priest, too? What’s next? The High Priesthood? Moses’ seat?
It’s ironic that Korah’s charge to Moses of hoarding power for himself is, in fact, exactly what Korah has done. He claims Moses is looking for more honor, when it’s Korah that wants the glory for himself.
In my own life experience, this is what most false accusations are in actuality. Whatever one is guilty of, they accuse in others. If I’m lazy, I say others need to work harder. If I’m neck deep in pornography, I say that others are filthy. If I neglect prayer, I blame others for not going to God more often.
Reading Korah’s rebellion speaks to those who have a predisposition to respecting authority. In their minds, Korah was wrong, Moses was right, and that’s that. Respect who God has chosen!
But the story goes deeper. In reading about Korah, we read about ourselves. Through his failure, we can see how easy it is to project sins onto others that we are guilty of ourselves.
It also shows how boldly we will defend that position. Even if it means our death.