Korah was a Levite from the family of Kohath who led a rebellion against the leadership of Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. He and 250 men challenged the priestly hierarchy, claiming that the entire congregation was holy. God judged him by opening the earth to swallow him and his co-conspirators, serving as a warning example for future generations.
Korah, together with Dathan, Abiram and On, as well as 250 leaders of the congregation, rose up against Moses and Aaron, claiming that the entire congregation was holy and that Moses and Aaron had exalted themselves above the Lord's assembly.
1Now Korah son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi, took action, along with Dathan and Abiram sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth, descendants of Reuben.
2They rose up against Moses, together with two hundred and fifty men of Israel, leaders of the community, appointed members of the assembly, men of reputation.
3They gathered against Moses and Aaron and said to them, "You have gone too far! The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them. Why then do you set yourselves above the LORD's assembly?"
9Is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has set you apart from the rest of the community of Israel and brought you near to himself, to do the work at the LORD's dwelling and to stand before the community and serve them?
The glory of the Lord appeared to the entire congregation, and God threatened to destroy the whole assembly, but Moses and Aaron interceded on their behalf.
19When Korah had gathered the whole community against them at the entrance to the tent of meeting, the glory of the LORD appeared to the entire community.
The earth opened up and swallowed Korah, Dathan and Abiram along with their families and all their possessions. They went down alive into Sheol as a divine sign of judgment.
The incense burners of the 250 men who were consumed by fire were beaten into plates to cover the altar, serving as a warning sign for the children of Israel.
Warning in the New Testament
Jude's letter mentions Korah's rebellion as a warning example for those who rebel against God's appointed order and authority.
11Woe to them! For they have taken the way of Cain, they have thrown themselves into Balaam's error for profit, and they have perished in Korah's rebellion.