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This week we unwind the spectacle of Korach, a cousin to Moses and rebel leader among the children of Israel. Why did this man think he was able to challenge the authority of Moses and Aaron? What was the point of the silly questions he threw at Moses? Shmuel invites you to set aside logic and join him in exploring this fascinating portion. Shabbat Shalom!
Shalom Shmu’el.
Parasha Korach (Korah)
Numbers 16:1–18:32; Haftorah 1 Samuel 11:14–12:22;
Brit Hadashah Acts 5:1–11
Amen and selah! That’s so right. Everyone may have the potential to be holy, but not everyone reach their potential.
Another example, Yah Avinu said that everything He made was good, but not everything reached that potential.
These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: … one who sows discord among brethren.” (Proverbs 6:16)
To highlight this sin, the Scripture portion this week is also called the Parasha of Machloket (Strife), since Korach created division, strife, and disaster within the community through his rebellion, discontent, and dirty politics.
In fact, the name Korach is derived from Korcha, which means split.
Thank you for this parasha called Korach midrash.
Very good teaching. Sad it is not in print! Several points need response. Proverbs 3:5 states we are to trust in the Lord with al our heart and lean not on our own understanding. Korah was leaning on his own understanding an, as such, he was challenging God. Trust involves \Holiness and, as Shmuel states, this is something that has to become a reality within us, and clearly Korah was not ‘there’ yet.
Also of importance is the danger of challenging God. Dangerous stuff! Miriam came unstuck through this, and Korah went well over the top!
To me the central issue is pride. Shmuel states Korah was a smart guy, and, maybe. But he was taken up by pride and jealousy and thereby created confusion and dischord. Proverbs tells us that God hates that. Pride is deadly but it takes time to deal with it effectively within our development of holiness. Thank you for this teaching.