Readings
- Numbers 16–18
- 1Samuel 11:14–12:22
- Acts 5:1–11
Korach-related studies
When these men tried to tell God who was in charge, it didn’t go well (Numbers 16–18)
What strong, selfless leadership looks like (Numbers 16–17; Matthew 12; Luke 6)
How to pray for the enemies of Heaven (Leviticus 16–18)
‘Who put you in charge?’: Korach, ancient revolutionary for equity and accountability (Numbers 16–18)
Numbers 16–17: How humility teaches leadership
Numbers 16:1–18:32: Earth-shattering warning against coveting
Numbers 16–18: Korah, an early anti-Messiah
Numbers 16–18: No shortcuts to authority in God’s kingdom
Numbers 16: Korah rebels against God’s anointed
The betrayal by Korakh (Korah) against Aharon (Aaron) mirrors the rejection of Yeshua the Mashiakh (Jesus) by leaders of Yisrael (Israel) at in the first century A.D. We can see a foreshadowing of Yeshua’s grace through Aharon’s reaction to the rebellion.
Numbers 16-17: Rebel against God’s appointed leaders, rebel against God
When we are not satisfied with the position God placed us and we covet someone else’s job or position, we are in grave spiritual danger. We may experience physical consequences for our rebellion, maybe not in the extreme manner recorded in Numbers 16–17, but God does not like complainers. Any insight we have about our condition comes from God.
Numbers 17–18: Aaron’s budding leadership and God’s fairness
“That’s not fair!” The impulse to feel jealousy and resentment for seemingly being unjustly passed over for promotion, rewards, privilege, talent, looks, opportunity, etc. is what we battle against from cradle to grave. And the battle Moshe (Moses) and Aharon (Aaron) faced with fellow leaders of Yisrael (Israel) and of Levi parallels the jealousy Yeshua the Mashiakh (Jesus) faced with leaders of Yisrael and why they plotted to kill Him.
Numbers 18-19: High priest as a type of the Messiah; lesson of the mysterious red heifer
There is a very special but blunt message in Numbers 18–19, targeted to the High Priest and his family. Moses is not addressed at all. God impresses upon the High Priest family and the Levites the seriousness of their charge. They are given certain rights within in the community of Israel but also gives them very serious responsibilities. God also places serious consequences on the High Priestly family and the Levites if they are derelict in their Temple duties.
Haftarah: 1Samuel 11:14–12:22
1st Samuel 11 — Saul proves himself as a leader
The “Snake” of Ammon picks a fight with Israel, giving Saul his first test as leader. His success cemented his authority. Yet some despising of him mirrors the rejection of Yeshua as God’s Messiah.
1st Samuel 12 — Samuel’s ‘farewell’
1st Samuel 12 records a sad and foreboding “farewell” for one of ancient Israel’s most influential prophets and judges. The leaders tell Shmuel (Samuel) to retire, because they want a powerful ruler like the other nations. This treatment is similar to the rebellion centuries earlier against Moses and centuries later against Yeshua the Mashiakh (Jesus the Christ).
1st Samuel 11-17 recap
The pattern we find in 1st Samuel is a pattern of preparing and delivering. He sends two witnesses for each delivery, a preparer and deliverer. We continue with this pattern with the beginning of Saul’s reign. These stories are not just history, or entertainment. The book of 1st Samuel also shows us how Sh’mu’el (Samuel), Sha’ul (Saul), Yahunatan/Yonatan (Jonathan) and David are a foreshadowing of the Messiah to come. This history helped the prophets see and reveal the Messiah to us.