A lesson in conflict resolution. The Korak Rebellion was the single most dangerous challenge

to Moses' leadership during the 40 years that he led the people through the wilderness.

The precise outline of events is difficult to follow, probably because the events themselves

were tumultuous and disorderly.

The narrative makes it clear, however, that the rebels came from different groups, each of whom

had different reasons for resentment. Now, Karach, son of Yitzah, son of Karat, son of Levy,

betook... A lesson in conflict resolution. The Karach rebellion was the single most dangerous challenge to Moses' leadership

during the 40 years that he led the people through the wilderness. The precise outline of events

is difficult to follow, probably because the events themselves were tumultuous and disorderly.

The narrative makes it clear, however, that the rebels came from different groups, each of whom

had different reasons for resentment. Here's what the text says. Now, Karach, son of Yitzar,

son of Kohat, son of Levi, betook himself along with Datana and Aviram, sons of Elie Avon,

son of Pellat, descendants of Ruvren, to rise up against Moses, together with 250 Israelites

chieftains of the community chosen in the assembly men of repute.

They combined against Moses and Aaron and said to them,

You have gone too far for all the community are holy, all of them, and the Lord is in their midst.

Why then do you raise yourself above the Lord's congregation?

Disentangling the various factions,

Rashi suggests that Karach, prime mover of the uprising, was aggrieved that Moses had appointed Aaron as high priest. Moses was child of Amram,

Kohut's eldest son. Korach was the firstborn of Kohut's second son, Yitzha, and felt that he should have been made high priest.

The fact that Moses had appointed his own brother to the role struck Korach as unacceptable

favouritism. The Rubinites, suggests Ibn Ezra, felt that as descendants of Jacob's firstborn,

...