Numbers 16:1-18:32

Korah and a couple of his buddies incite a rebellion against Moses.  When they approach Moses, Moses does not argue, but instead tells Korah and his 250 recruits to come and burn an offering before the Lord and God will decide who is in charge.  The Lord destroys the tents of Korah and his two friends and all of there family and possessions.  God then destroys the 250 leaders offering an unacceptable burnt offering at the tabernacle.  The incense burners become holy objects because they have been touched by God.  Aaron turns these bronze burners into a cover for the alter which will serve as a warning to all future generations.

Aaron is then shown to be God’s true high priest.  God asks Moses to place a staff from each tribe before the tabernacle.  The staff which buds will be the one God has choosen.  Aaron’s staff not only buds but also has sprouted almonds. The passage ends with God instructing the Levites that they must give a tithe to God on the tithe they have received from the people.

Korah is an interesting character for a Quaker to study.  He says, “Everyone in Israel has been set apart by the Lord, and  he is with all of us.  What right do you have to act as though you are greater than anyone else among all these people of the Lord?”  Reading through the Pentateuch it seems obvious that Moses has been set apart as a leader among God’s people.

Today we believe that the Holy Spirit speaks to all people and that God is active in the life of all those who have a relationship with Jesus Christ.  We say that Christ is our mediator and high priest.

In Israel all the people belonged to God, but it appears that Moses was set apart as God’s leader among the people.  Is the same true among our churches today?