Page 330 - BAMIDBAR

What was the reason for Korach’s rebellion? Was it a desire for honor? # 26347-EYAL-6
He received plenty of honor as bearer of the Aron. Everyone knew that
the miracles in the Wilderness were in the merit of the three benefactors: “They gathered together against Moshe and
Moshe, Aharon, and Miriam. against Aharon and said to them: It is too much
for you! For the entire assembly – all of them –
What was the purpose of Moshe’s prayer that Hashem should not accept
Korach’s offering? The nation was liable to view this as coincidence. are holy and Hashem is among them; why do
Furthermore, what is the secret behind the gruesome deaths of Korach and you exalt yourselves over the congregation of
his followers, who were swallowed alive by the earth? And what mystery Hashem?”
was sprouting behind Aharon’s flourishing staff? (Bamidbar 16:3)
Habit forces a person into a stupor. He is so dulled to the miracles
surrounding him that he takes everything for granted. Korach complained
because he refused to attribute the miracles of the nation’s daily survival
to the benefactors of the generation. He claimed, “The entire assembly –
all of them – are holy and Hashem is among them.” He attributed the
miracles to the collective merit of Am Yisrael. Korach served Hashem
through habit, without seeking new methods for spiritual growth.

Moshe Rabbeinu asked Hashem not to accept Korach’s part of the
offering for the following reason: The nation would see part of it burnt,
and the other part, raw. This anomaly would awaken them from the
lethargy of habit. Korach’s death, too, was most unusual. These miracles
would give the nation pause to reflect on their obligations in this world,
as they realized where everything came from.

Korach and his men opened their mouths wide in contention. Therefore,
the earth opened a wide mouth, swallowing them alive, together with their
possessions.

Moshe Rabbeinu asked each shevet to provide a staff. Aharon’s staff
blossomed. This taught the people that Hashem oversees everything and
has the power to change the order of nature. Bnei Yisrael shook off the
cobwebs of indifference as they observed the blooming of Aharon’s staff,
and their understanding of Hashem’s supervision blossomed within their
hearts.