Korach
Numbers 16:1 - 18:32

    There is well known commentary on this week’s Torah portion in Mishnah Avot.  It says, “Any dispute that is for the sake of Heaven will have a constructive outcome: but one that is not for the sake of heaven will not. What sort of dispute was for the sake of Heaven? The dispute between Hillel and Shamai and that which was not for the sake of Heaven? This is the dispute of Korach and his whole congregation.”   The point of this statement is that not all disputes are wrong. Not all “lively discussion” is of no value.  In fact the prophet Isaiah said, “Come now, and let us reason together,"(Is. 1:18) 

    The Talmud says that when people argue in search of truth rather than out of contentiousness their words will be lasting and productive.  When Hillel and Shammai argued, the goal of each was for the betterment of the Jewish people as a whole. Neither questioned the authority of Moses. Much can be learned from simply reading of their debates and the debates of their respective schools.  However, the discussion of Korach and his followers was not  so productive. Their discussion was not about righteousness and truth. It was not about what is good for Israel . It was about strife and rebellion, jealousy and pride. Korach’s motives were not pure. His desire was to undermine the leadership of Moses and Aaron and to question their calling from God.  Certainly there is much to learn from this portion of Scripture! One lesson we learn is that  whatever our discussion may be, about the Torah, Yeshua, points of doctrine and other issues - we  must come from the point of view that the Bible is authoritative over all other texts and ideas.  It is important to discern in a discussion what the     motives are in arguing. Some people enter into discussion over issues because they  have an agenda - to undermine leadership and to promote ones self. Sometimes, the motive is pride simply a desire to challenge authority.  These wrong motives were the motives of Korach.  Discussion is good  when we are really seeking the truth and the betterment of  His people.  Proverbs 27:17 tells us    Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.  It is important to discuss issues - in the right way and for the right reasons. 

    There is another way in which many of us   commit the sins of Korach and may not even realize it. When we ignore the precepts of the Word of God - when we do not take the commands of the bible seriously by disobeying the Word of God, we undermine the authority of the Bible - we undermine the authority of God. Whether it is pride, selfishness or other reasons of the flesh, we commit the sins of Korach  because to disobey the Word of God is to challenge the authority of God.  May we be people who live under the authority of God and the Scriptures. May we be able to discuss the Scriptures amongst ourselves with right motives and right attitudes.  May we walk in a manner worthy of our calling! Shabbat shalom!