Korach’s Rebellion

There are many obstacles that we must overcome as human beings. It is always challenging when we need to make difficult decisions in life.

We must be certain that such decisions be motivated by a desire to do what is right in the eyes of G-d. Sometimes our own emotions and desires can mislead us.

We may try to convince ourselves that our intentions are noble, when in fact, it is a negative force that is driving us.

A case in point is Korach. He had great wealth and honor and a high position in the Levite family. Nevertheless, he was not content and he believed it was his duty to right a wrong.

He allowed himself to be convinced that his cousin, Moshe Rabbeinu, had overstepped his boundaries. He made himself the King of Israel, and his brother, Aharon, the High Priest.

He felt it was his duty to lead a righteous battle to correct what he believed to be wrong. He was driven by all kinds of rationalizations to justify his cause.

The sad reality was that he was driven by a lust for honor and power. This blinded his vision because he did not do this for the sake of Heaven. He created terrible strife and division among the people.

Moshe Rabbeinu felt that it was necessary that Korach’s terrible judgement be put on display. He and his family needed to die a supernatural death by having the ground swallow him up.

It was necessary to show what happens to people who have every reason to be happy, but choose to make trouble in a self righteous holy war.

Decision making is challenging, but it can be so much easier if done with humility, and seriously asking Hashem for guidance.

The earth that swallowed up Korach is still acknowledging that, “Moshe is truth, and his Torah is truth.”