Korah was from the tribe of Kohath. The Kohathites were responsible for carrying the sacred furniture from the Tabernacle. Such a solemn task came with great responsibility. Though the Kohathites were Levites, they were different from the Aaronic priesthood, which included offering sacrifices.
Korah, unfortunately, thought he and some of the other Levites should have more responsibility than simply carrying holy furniture. Korah influenced two hundred and fifty men of renown and rebelled against Moses and Aaron. Korah said to Moses and Aaron, “Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord” (Num. 16:3)?
Rather than be satisfied with their own calling and responsibility, Korah and his cohorts wanted the priesthood too. Jude, in his New Testament epistle, likened Korah’s actions to the false teachers, and considered what he done to be “gainsaying” (Jude 1:4-11). The word “gainsaying” means to be “rebellious.” Korah’s desire to be part of the priesthood was rebellion in God’s eyes. Korah was rebelling against his God-given calling.
Moses and Aaron didn’t ordain themselves as priests, it was God who placed them into those holy positions (Heb. 5:4). Accordingly, God has placed certain people into positions of authority within the church (Rom. 13:1-7;1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11-12). Those that would attempt to usurp God’s order of hierarchy do this to their own damnation. Likewise, those who believe they don’t need spiritual overseers seek to be their own priests.
What is remarkable about Korah’s rebellion is that he and his tribe were doing things no one else in Israel was allowed to do. Other than Aaron, they were the only ones allowed to come into such close proximity to the holy things of the Tabernacle. God’s glory was upon their shoulders and in their hands. In Korah’s mind that just wasn’t enough. In the end it was God’s authority that prevailed. God will not be challenged or questioned.
Beloved, the best way to honor God is to obey His commands, follow His anointed leadership, and fulfill your calling.