Numbers 16

 Observations and Interpretation:

(1) Korah is 利未的曾孫 v.1, 7,8,10 Not satisfying with assisting the priests

(NET) ...He wanted something like a general election with himself as the candidate and his supporters promoting him...The test would be one of ministering with incense. This would bring them into direct proximity with the LORD. If God honored Korah as a ministering priest, then it would be settled...

(2) v.3 聚集攻擊摩西、亞倫，說：“你們擅自專權！全會眾個個既是聖潔，耶和華也在他們中間，你們為甚麼自高，超過耶和華的會眾呢？”

全會眾個個既是聖潔，耶和華也在他們中間 (NAC) The Israelites had been instructed to wear garment tassels as a reminder of their covenant relationship to the Lord, so they might keep his commandments and live holy lives before God and the world (Numbers 15:40).

(3) Why did they want to be the leader at this time? v.12-14 The rebels called Egypt the land that flows with milk and honey and Moses brought them out of Egypt and have not brought them to the Promised land. They refused to accept responsibilities in the "10 spies" event and skipped that in their mind. Their wandering in the wilderness was not because of Moses' failure. 

(4) Korah's punishment was one of a kind, so that people would know that these men despised the Lord v.30. When ones honors God they should have honored the way God works. Not pushing their own way of agenda. They should have honored God ordination of Moses and Aaron to be their leaders. In order to avoid the whole group of Israelites being punish Moses pleaded for just punish the rebels v.20-22. However, witnessing these one of a kind and terrible punishment did not stop the people of copying their sins. In v.41-50. 

Application: On one hand, they despised God and His leaders. On the other hand, they did not repent in the incidents of the 10 spies nor in the incident of Korah. Instead of repenting, people tried to returning back to Egypt, pushing for a new leadership, and complaining. Even with miraculous sign of opening up the earth was not enough to change our minds. Pray for our stubbornness in sins. Pray that we will accept our responsibilities in sins and we will make change in our mind and actions. 

Audrey