Numbers 16:1-35 Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On… I. THE GREATNESS OF THE PRIVILEGES CONFERRED UPON THE LEVITES. II. THE UNRIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE AMBITION CHERISHED BY THEM. Their ambition involved — 1. The disparagement of their present privileges. Their privileges "seemed but a small thing unto them." Great as they were, they did not satisfy them. "Ambition," says Trapp, "is restless and unsatisfiable; for, like the crocodile, it grows as long as it lives." 2. Interference in the Divine arrangements. "Seek ye the priesthood also?" III. THE HEINOUSNESS OF THE REBELLION IN WHICH THEY ENGAGED. Moses points out to them concerning their rebellion that — 1. It was unreasonable. "What is Aaron that ye murmur against him?" The high priest was merely an instrument in the hand of the Lord. 2. It was exceedingly sinful. "Thou and all thy company are gathered together against the Lord." "Those resist the prince who resist those that are commissioned by him" (comp. Matthew 10:40; John 13:20; Acts 9:4).Conclusion: 1. Let us crush every rising of ambition which is not in harmony with wisdom and righteousness. 2. Let us seek to give to our ambition a righteous and noble direction. (W. Jones.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men: |
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