Numbers 16:35-4035And there came out a fire from the Lord, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense. 36And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 37Speak unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, that he take up the censers out of the burning, and scatter thou the fire yonder; for they are hallowed. 38The censers of these sinners against their own souls, let them make them broad plates for a covering of the altar: for they offered them before the Lord, therefore they are hallowed: and they shall be a sign unto the children of Israel. 39And Eleazar the priest took the brazen censers, wherewith they that were burnt had offered; and they were made broad plates for a covering of the altar: 40To be a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the Lord; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the Lord said to him by the hand of Moses. (Numbers 16:35‑40)
IN THE rebellion of Korah and his company, Korah presents to us the religious world, Dathan and Abiram the civil power, but Korah is the instigator or leader. Moses, “king in Jeshurun” (a name given to Israel — Deut. 33: 5), and Aaron the priest are types of Christ. So the whole rebellion is a type of the opposition against the royalty and priesthood of Christ.
The earthquake which took place when Korah and his company went down alive into the pit and perished came not from any natural causes. It was an act of God dealing directly in special judgment on the rebels.
But here we are reminded of another earthquake which took place when the Lord Jesus was on earth. The rebellious people rose up against their true King who came in lowly grace. They said, “We will not have this man to reign over us"; so they crucified Him. When He died, we read, “the earth did quake, and the rocks rent"; but it was not in judgment on His foes, for instead “the graves were opened; and many of the bodies of the saints which slept arose” (Matt. 27:51,5251And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; 52And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, (Matthew 27:51‑52)). This quake could not be attributed to any natural cause for it was God in divine power testifying to the glory of the Person of His beloved Son, the true King of Israel.
How sad to think that in the latter days the unbelieving Jews will lead the world in opposing Christ when He comes back to reign. The antichrist — the false prophet and send beast of Revelation 13: 11 together with the first beast, head of the great Western power, will be caught in open rebellion against Christ when He comes out of heaven with all His saints. The earth will not open up to receive the rebels in that day but these two leaders will be cast alive into the lake of fire (Rev. 19:2020And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. (Revelation 19:20)).
This sin of Korah has been repeated in the history of the church. Evil men, religious men, have sought to destroy the authority of Christ in the church. How sad that in Jude’s epistle, which describes the religious history of the world, Korah is mentioned as the last stage: “they perished in the gainsaying of Core.” First it was Cain’s worship — without faith, dead works, refusing to own the total ruin of man. Then comes “the error of Balaam"—men greedily seeking reward from the world, its riches and honors. Last comes “the gainsaying of Core” — denying Christ as the only High Priest appointed of God. It is here the judgment falls.
False corrupt religion is leading the world on to its judgment. And just as the people were warned to flee from the tents of Korah and his company lest they be consumed in their sins, so we ought to heed the warning of God concerning the judgment of the great false religious system; “Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Rev. 18:44And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. (Revelation 18:4).
This record of Israel’s journey through the wilderness thus far shows what man is under trial, that the human heart is untrustworthy even in the people of God. The only resource is the priesthood of Christ. He alone is worthy and able to be our great High Priest and appear in the presence of God for us. He has finished completely the work of putting our sins away; but He has not finished His work of interceding for us yet. Soon we shall be with Him in heaven. That work of intercession for us will be over forever, and He will lead the eternal praises of all those for whom He died.
ML-11/25/1973