Numbers 15-17

“It is against the Lord that you and all your followers have banded together. Who is Aaron that you should grumble against him?” (16:11). Korah and his followers were Levites, the tribe that helped minister in the holy tabernacle, but only Aaron’s descendants could be priests. Korah “wanted to get the priesthood too” (16:10), so he and his friends rebelled against God’s chosen leaders. Moses recognized that they cared nothing for God himself or God’s community – they simply desired human power, resulting in death.

In a test of leadership, Aaron’s staff “budded, blossomed and produced almonds” (17:8), representing God’s divine authority. God is the King who deserves our total surrender and obedience because he is the only author of Life.