161 Now Korah the son of Izhar , the son of Kohath , the son of Levi , with Dathan and Abiram , the sons of Eliab , and On the son of Peleth , sons of Reuben , took action, 2 and they rose up before Moses , together with some of the sons of Israel , two hundred and fifty leaders of the congregation , chosen in the assembly , men of renown . 3 They assembled together against Moses and Aaron , and said to them, " You have gone far enough , for all the congregation are holy , every one of them, and the Lord is in their midst ; so why do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the Lord ?" 4 When Moses heard this, he fell on his face ; 5 and he spoke to Korah and all his company , saying , "Tomorrow morning the Lord will show who is His, and who is holy , and will bring him near to Himself; even the one whom He will choose , He will bring near to Himself. 6 "Do this : take censers for yourselves, Korah and all your company , 7 and put fire in them, and lay incense upon them in the presence of the Lord tomorrow ; and the man whom the Lord chooses shall be the one who is holy . You have gone far enough , you sons of Levi !" 8 Then Moses said to Korah , "Hear now , you sons of Levi , 9 is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the rest of the congregation of Israel , to bring you near to Himself, to do the service of the tabernacle of the Lord , and to stand before the congregation to minister to them; 10 and that He has brought you near , Korah, and all your brothers , sons of Levi , with you? And are you seeking for the priesthood also ? 11 "Therefore you and all your company are gathered together against the Lord ; but as for Aaron , who is he that you grumble against him?"
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 16:1-11
Commentary on Numbers 16:1-11
(Read Numbers 16:1-11)
Pride and ambition occasion a great deal of mischief both in churches and states. The rebels quarrel with the settlement of the priesthood upon Aaron and his family. Small reason they had to boast of the people's purity, or of God's favour, as the people had been so often and so lately polluted with sin, and were now under the marks of God's displeasure. They unjustly charge Moses and Aaron with taking honour to themselves; whereas they were called of God to it. See here, 1. What spirit levellers are of; those who resist the powers God has set over them. 2. What usage they have been serviceable. Moses sought instruction from God. The heart of the wise studies to answer, and asks counsel of God. Moses shows their privileges as Levites, and convicts them of the sin of undervaluing these privileges. It will help to keep us from envying those above us, duly to consider how many there are below us.