Moses and Aaron face another challenge led by three Levites Korah, Dathan and Abiram who were accompanied by 250 others (v1-3). They accuse them of being too strict in their teaching and of arrogance in setting themselves above the people. This was a lie as Moses was humble (see 12 v3). 

There is the danger that those who preach and lead are misunderstood and seen as setting themselves above others, when they just seek to be faithful in obeying God in sharing His Word. We need to be watchful as the devil seeks to create ill feeling towards those who preach and lead.

Moses summons the people to meet for God to show who He accepts (v4-7). In what Moses says to Korah (v8-10) we see there is jealousy of the priests and an attempt by these Levites to push themselves forward for a new role. The big problem is that their actions in refusing to accept the authority and role of those appointed by God, they are resisting God (v11).

Dathan and Abiram refuse to come and meet (v12). They are happy to complain and keep complaining but have little desire to have things resolved. In doing this they fire fresh accusations at Moses (v13-14). Moses’ anger is understandable (v15). When you complain, are you willing to act to make things better?

Korah and his followers at least are willing to come and they appear each carrying a censer used for carrying burnt incense (v16-18).

God appears in glory but also with great anger announcing His desire to judge the whole assembly (v19-21). We need to be very watchful against a complaining and resisting spirit which arouses the great anger in the Lord.