Chapter 27—Korah, Dathan, and Abiram
The Lord knew that Korah was rebellious at heart, and was se-
cretly at work in the congregation of Israel against Moses, although
his rebellion had not yet developed itself. The Lord made an example
of Miriam as a warning to all who might be tempted to rebel against
Moses. Korah was not satisfied with his position. He was connected
with the service of the tabernacle, yet he desired to be exalted to the
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priesthood. God had established Moses as chief governor, and the
priesthood was given to Aaron and his sons. Korah determined to com-
pel Moses to change the order of things, whereby he should be raised
to the dignity of the priesthood. To be more sure of accomplishing his
purpose, he drew Dathan and Abiram, the descendants of Reuben, into
his rebellion.
They reasoned that, being descendants from the eldest sons of
Jacob, the chief authority which Moses usurped belonged to them, and,
with Korah, they were resolved to obtain the office of the priesthood.
These three became very zealous in an evil work. They influenced
two hundred and fifty men of renown to join them, who were also
determined to have a share in the priesthood and government. God
had honored the Levites to do service in the tabernacle, because they
took no part in making and worshiping the golden calf, and because of
their faithfulness in executing the order of God upon the idolaters.
To the Levites was assigned the office of erecting the tabernacle,
and encamping around about it, while the hosts of Israel pitched their
tents at a distance from the tabernacle. And when they journeyed
the Levites took down the tabernacle, and bore it, and the ark, and
the candlestick, and the other sacred articles of furniture. Because
God thus honored the Levites, they became ambitious for still higher
office, that they might obtain greater influence with the congregation.
“And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against
Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all
the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among
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