What did Moses say to Korah?

The story of Moses and Korah is one of the most dramatic events in the Old Testament, found in the Book of Numbers, chapter 16. It is a tale of rebellion, leadership, divine authority, and the consequences of challenging God’s chosen leaders. At the heart of this narrative is a confrontation between Moses, the revered leader of the Israelites, and Korah, a Levite who, along with his followers, openly questions Moses’s authority.

The Context: Who Was Korah and Why Did He Rebel?

Before examining what Moses said, it is essential to understand the background of the rebellion. Korah was a cousin of Moses and Aaron, belonging to the tribe of Levi. The Levites had been appointed special duties concerning the Tabernacle, but only Aaron and his descendants were chosen for the priesthood.

Korah, feeling slighted and perhaps envious of the special role of Aaron’s family, gathered 250 leaders from the congregation—men of renown—to confront Moses and Aaron. Their grievance was that Moses and Aaron were exalting themselves above the rest of the Lord’s community, claiming that “all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them.” (Numbers 16:3)

Moses’s Initial Response: Humility and Deference to God

When Korah and his followers challenged Moses, his first response was not defensive or confrontational. According to Numbers 16:4, “When Moses heard this, he fell on his face.” This act was a sign of humility and a recognition of the seriousness of the situation—Moses turned to God rather than asserting his own authority. This posture also suggested grief, sorrow, and perhaps prayer for the people who were rebelling. Moses’s humility is a critical aspect of his leadership throughout the Exodus narrative.

Moses Speaks: Let God Decide

After falling on his face, Moses addressed Korah and his company. Instead of responding with anger, Moses proposed a test to let God reveal His chosen ones. He said:

“In the morning the Lord will show who is his, and who is holy, and will bring him near to him; the one whom he chooses he will bring near to him. Do this: Take censers, Korah and all his company, put fire in them and put incense on them before the Lord tomorrow, and the man whom the Lord chooses shall be the holy one. You have gone too far, sons of Levi!” (Numbers 16:5-7, ESV)

Here, Moses shifted the focus from personal authority to divine choice. He did not claim the right to decide who should lead or serve; instead, he submitted the matter to God. The phrase “You have gone too far, sons of Levi!” is especially poignant, as it turns their accusation back on them, highlighting their overreach.

Moses’s Rebuke: Reminding the Levites of Their Privilege

Moses then directly addressed Korah and the Levites in his company. He reminded them that being chosen as Levites was already a great honor:

“Hear now, you sons of Levi: is it too small a thing for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself, to do service in the tabernacle of the Lord, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them, and that he has brought you near him, and all your brothers the sons of Levi with you? And would you seek the priesthood also?” (Numbers 16:8-10, ESV)

Moses pointed out that Korah and his followers were not content with the privileges they already had; they desired even more authority, specifically the priesthood reserved for Aaron’s family. He framed their rebellion as not just against Moses and Aaron, but against God Himself, since God had established the structure of leadership and service.

Moses’s Disappointment with Dathan and Abiram

Korah’s rebellion also involved Dathan and Abiram, leaders from the tribe of Reuben. When Moses called them to meet, they refused, accusing Moses of failing to deliver on his promises. They said:

“Is it a small thing that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, that you must also make yourself a prince over us?” (Numbers 16:13, ESV)

Moses was deeply grieved by their response. He prayed, “Do not respect their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them, nor have I harmed one of them.” (Numbers 16:15, ESV) This prayer revealed Moses’s wounded integrity, asserting that he had never abused his position or taken advantage of the people.

The Test with the Censers

Moses instructed Korah and his followers to present themselves before the Lord with censers filled with incense, along with Aaron. This test was designed to allow God to make His choice clear. The next day, the entire community assembled at the entrance to the Tabernacle, and the glory of the Lord appeared to all.

Moses’s Final Words to Korah and the Congregation

As tension mounted, God instructed Moses and Aaron to separate themselves from the assembly so He could consume them instantly. Moses and Aaron interceded for the people, praying, “O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and will you be angry with all the congregation?” (Numbers 16:22, ESV). God then instructed Moses to tell the congregation to move away from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. Moses warned the people:

“Depart, please, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest you be swept away with all their sins.” (Numbers 16:26, ESV)

This was a final warning, giving the community an opportunity to dissociate themselves from the rebels and avoid sharing in their fate.

God’s Judgment and Its Aftermath

After the people moved away, Moses declared that if the rebels died a natural death, it would mean the Lord had not sent him. But if “the earth opens its mouth and swallows them up,” it would be a sign that these men had despised the Lord. As soon as Moses finished speaking, the ground split open, swallowing Korah, his followers, and their possessions. Fire also consumed the 250 men offering incense.

Lessons from Moses’s Words to Korah

The story of Moses and Korah contains enduring lessons for leaders and followers alike:

1. Humility in Leadership: Moses’s humility in the face of challenge is exemplary. Rather than asserting personal power, he sought God’s will and was willing to submit to divine authority.
2. Respect for Divine Order: The Levites’ desire for a different role disregarded the structure God had established. Moses reminded them to appreciate their calling without coveting another’s.
3. The Danger of Envy and Rebellion: Korah’s rebellion was fueled by envy and dissatisfaction. Moses’s words highlight the destructive potential of such attitudes.
4. Intercession for Others: Even when threatened, Moses prayed for the people, demonstrating a shepherd’s heart.
5. Consequences of Defiance: Moses made it clear that rejecting divinely appointed leaders was ultimately an act against God, with serious consequences.