Numbers 16:1-40: Korah’s Rebellion

10/17/24 • 55 min

Although not every event in Israel’s wilderness wandering is recorded, the rebellion led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram typifies the rebelliousness of the older generation. Although the descendants of Kohath already hold the honored position of carrying the holy things of the tabernacle, still they desire for themselves the priestly service given to Aaron. Likewise, the descendants of Reuben desire the authority given to Moses. The LORD deals swiftly with this rebellion by opening the earth to swallow up Korah and his company. The LORD provided a physical reminder of this event in a covering that was made for the altar.

Rev. Jason Schockman, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 16:1-40.

"Wilderness Wanderings” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Numbers. After the LORD delivers His people from slavery in Egypt, He leads them toward the Promised Land. Although the first generation of Israelites proves faithless, the LORD remains faithful to His people and brings a new generation of Israelites to the plains of Moab. This strengthens us to listen to God’s promises today and stay faithful to Him as He guides us toward resurrection life.

Rev. Jason Schockman, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 16:1-40.

Previous Episode

Numbers 15:1-41: When You Come into the Land

Although the older generation of Israelites has just heard the LORD decree that they will die in the wilderness, this does not mean Israel will not possess the Promised Land. The LORD reminds His people that He will keep His promise by turning to give them instructions that they will need for their life in Canaan. The LORD doesn’t say “if” you get to the land; He says “when” you get to the land. The instructions that the LORD gives deal with sacrifices of celebration and sacrifices for unintentional sins. The LORD warns His people against high-handed sins through direct teaching and the example of one who broke the Sabbath. In all things, even in their garments, the people of Israel are to be set apart for the LORD.

Rev. Andy Jagow, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, VA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 15:1-41.

Next Episode

Numbers 16:41-17:13: Aaron’s Budding Staff

Only one day after watching the earth swallow up Korah and his company, the rest of Israel still grumbled against Moses and Aaron, thinking that they could approach the LORD apart from His chosen mediators. When the LORD began to send a plague against Israel, Moses interceded for the people by sending Aaron with burning incense to stand between the dead and the living. The LORD graciously stopped the plague against His people due to Aaron’s ministry, and the LORD confirmed Aaron as His chosen high priest by causing the staff of Aaron to sprout with almond blossoms. This served as an ongoing testimony for the people of Israel as Aaron’s staff was placed in the ark of the covenant.

Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 16:41-17:13.