Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

Numbers 16 tells the story of Korah and his followers who challenged Jehovah.  The controversy appears to involve Aaron as the father of the priestly line.  The disagreement is over what God has commanded.  Often, we challenge those who claim to speak for the Lord.  Moses’ plan for a confrontation to determine the true will of Yahweh is wise.  Korah’s actions are not.

Incense is to only be burned by the priests.  These Levites can serve in the sanctuary, but only Aaron’s family serve as priests.  Korah, Dathan, and Abiram have the audacity to oppose God, but not the courage to face Moses and the Lord.  When the earth swallows these men, their families, all they own and the other 250 Levites which burned incense, the other Israelites should learn.  They do not.  Over 14,000 more die from a disease before Aaron puts himself in danger and stops the plague.

Another test of Jehovah’s will is discussed in Numbers 17.  Moses has a leader for each tribe bring a staff to him.  Guess what, all these shepherds have one.  God instructs them to be left next to the ark overnight.  What kind of wood are these made of?  Aaron’s at least was almond wood.  How do we know?  It sprouted, budded, blossomed and produced almonds.

They left it there to prove to everyone which tribe was chosen to lead the worship in and around the Tabernacle.  This terrified the Israelites because they believed they would die if they did something that Jehovah did not approve of.  Parents often feel this with their children.  They frighten them without intending it to happen.  Yahweh knew it would happen.  Sometimes fear can be an effective motivator.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger