Bible Figure
Korah
human biblical character (Book of Numbers)
Korah son of Izhar was a Levite who led a major rebellion against Moses and Aaron and was judged when the earth opened beneath the rebels.
Biography
Numbers 16 describes Korah joining Dathan, Abiram, and 250 community leaders in challenging Moses and Aaron, claiming that the whole congregation was holy and questioning their leadership. Moses proposed a test involving incense before the Lord. The earth opened and swallowed the households associated with Dathan and Abiram, while fire consumed the 250 men offering incense. Numbers later notes that Korah's sons did not die, and their descendants became associated with important Levitical and musical service, including psalms bearing the sons of Korah in their headings.
Biblical Significance
Korah's rebellion is a major biblical warning against presumptuous rejection of divinely appointed responsibilities. At the same time, the survival and later service of Korah's descendants demonstrate that judgment on one generation did not erase the family's future.