Sylvan Springs Church of Christ

Have you every noticed attitude t-shirts?

What can we learn from this story of Korah's rebellion?

The seed of rebellion. (Numbers 16:1-2) Korah (a Levite) was not satisfied with his position or responsibility of his work. Can we identify with him?

He was unwilling to accept his role or place.
Did not do the best with what he was given.
He let dissatisfaction be the center of his life.

Others were involved too.

Dathan, Abiram, and On shared the same spirit of dissatisfaction.

250 princes were also swept up in this.

Envy was involved. Envy is the seed of rebellion!

The Language or Rebellion

Verse 3 shows the complaint. Korah felt he was capable and responsible for directing his own life. Moses and God weren't needed.

Contempt is seen for God's words of promise given through Moses.
(vs 13)

Korah had forgotten why the people were in this mess in the first place
and he wasn't thinking on the positive.

Reminder: God was not pleased when his people complained about food in Numbers 11.

Moses' Response to the Rebellion

Verse 4 says he fell on his face. This shows emotion and he
immediately prayed. He didn't try to just fix the problem on his own.

Verse 5 - God is in charge. He is the authority.
Verse 12 - Moses speaks to Dathan and Abiram. They were defiant.
Verse 9 - Is it a small thing? Is the work we do for God small?

God's Answer to Rebellion

Korah was not successful in his efforts to reform Israel's leadership.

There was a great gathering of all the men who chose their way and followed their leaders.

Verse 19 - "The glory of the Lord appeared to all the congregation."

Moses intercedes. He had compassion on the lost.
Verse 28 - Moses gives them a choice.

The earth opened it's mouth.

They did not learn from this experience. The congregation was unwilling to accept responsibility and chose to blame Moses for the death of the rebels.

The seeds of rebellion continued and a plague comes.

What's the lesson? Rebelling against God is never successful!