God must deal with rebellion. This is observed on Day 11 of the 90-day Bible read-through, Numbers 16-28. We will read the subsequent judgment on those who turned from the Lord in pride.
Yesterday, we read of the sons of Levi assigned duties in the tent of meeting exclusive to each of their tribes. To the sons of Kohath, there is one particular job. For the clans of the Gershonites, a service was given in the tent of meeting, and last but not least, the clans of the sons of Merari, for service in the tent of meeting. These sons were, as Moses says, "separated from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near himself, to do service in the tabernacle of the LORD and to stand before the congregation to minister to them, and that he has brought you near him, and all your brothers the sons of Levi with you?"
God called these men to service for the LORD; through roles, He made a distinction between the sons of Levi and the rest of Israel. He assigned them work that set them apart from the other tribes. To be clear, He called all of Israel to be a holy nation, but within that nation, there were roles of importance that distinguished spiritual, political, and judicial leadership. Those who sat in these seats were called to additional requirements unto the Lord. They were not more important; they were more responsible. You would think this humble position would keep these men submitted before the Lord for such a great honor. You would think that we'd read of their story; with such a great privilege, the responsibility would bring these men to understand the gift God has given them and then do the work with quiet humility.
Sadly, that is not their stories. In Numbers 16: "Korah the son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi..." and others from the tribe of Kohath, "rose up before Moses... They assembled themselves together against Moses and Aaron." What they knew of all of Israel, including its leaders, was true, "... For all in the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them." That is true, but their motives were not pure, as they would go on to challenge the position Moses and Aaron held. They'd forget that just as God separated them for their role to lead spiritually, Moses and Aaron were separated to lead over all the other spiritual, political, and judicial leaders. They will bring an accusation, but unfortunately, it will be against the wrong people. They disparaged Moses and Aaron, "Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?" This is the attitude and lens through which pride observes the world.
Where does this attitude originate? It originates from a lack of gratitude. These men had an essential role among God's people, and they did not take the time to recognize the massive privilege they received. This lack of gratitude stimulated greed, wanting more than you were blessed with. They chose to see what they had as not being enough. They turned against Aaron, resenting him and envying him. "What is Aaron that you grumble against him?" Remember, God called Moses and Aaron; God set apart the Levites to serve Him and the children and Israel; all this was lost on Korah and those who gathered with him to rebel.
Moses rebuked them, "You have gone too far, sons of Levi! Therefore, it is against the LORD that you and all your company have gathered together." Moses said, "Hereby you shall know that the LORD has set me to do all these works and that it has not been of my own accord." Moses reminded these men and the congregation that his leadership is an assignment. He did not rise up on his own and choose to become a god before this great people. He was an instrument of the True God who was over this nation. These men would learn the hard way that God established this nation, and all its leaders were assigned by Him, too. The congregation would see this example as well. Moses goes on to say, "If these men die as all men die, or if they are visited by the fate of all mankind, then the LORD has not sent me. But if the LORD creates something new, and the ground opens us... and swallows them up with all that belongs to them... then you shall know that these men have despised the LORD."
Though Moses and Aaron were the targets of these men, it was God they rebelled against. The judgment against them was proper and just. The congregation had to understand who their leader was. Though God used Moses, Aaron, and the Levites, He was their faithful LORD and KING! Any rebellion would be against Him, and despising Him led to judgment. This was for the sake of a continued holy nation. "And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up." If the leaders rebel, how much easier for the people to rise up against the LORD? This lesson would remind the people of the God who just outlined the blessings of obedience and the curses of disobedience. He also made them aware that they would not be able to flee His judgment if they rebelled against Him, and they'd rest in His care as they chose to fear the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom and the undercurrent of a holy nation.
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