Parashah Korach
Numbers 16:1 – 18:32
It is noteworthy that the trap the group of rebels fell into was essentially the same as in Eden, though shaded by different circumstances. Their complaint, put in other words, was: “Why is it only you—Moses and Aaron—who exercise authority (defining what is good and evil)?” In other words: “Why do only you have the right to define good and evil? We want that right too!”
In today’s reading, observe carefully and identify the pattern—one you’ve likely seen repeated at some point in your life:
Who were the ones who rebelled at the beginning? (Numbers 16:1–2)
What was the motive behind the rebellion? (v. 16:3)
Consider how valid and just the arguments presented by the rebels were. (vv. 16:3 and 13–14)
Now observe how the rest of the congregation reacted to this issue. (v. 16:19)
Summary of Ordinances for the Tribe of Levi
The Levites (non-Cohanim) were not to approach the holy utensils or the altar.
They were to guard and protect the Sanctuary (vv. 4–5) in every sense. Later, in the books of Chronicles, we see the organization established for gatekeepers, guards, and other related roles.
They were to strictly oversee everything concerning the Sanctuary so that no judgment would come upon Israel (v. 5).
No outsider (to the priesthood) was allowed to approach, under penalty of death (v. 7), including the Levites.
Benefits of the Cohanim (Priests)
Since the Levites did not receive a land inheritance, Yehovah provided another means of sustenance for them: the offerings, sacrifices, and other gifts that the people brought to Him. This was the way they were paid for their service in the ministry. The Cohanim received the most sacred offerings — kadosh: sin offerings, guilt offerings, and grain offerings. Additionally, they received the wave portion of the Peace Offerings.
Outside the sanctuary, the Cohanim also received the terumah — a portion — from the fields, vineyards, and orchards. The people were to bring them the first part of the harvests, the pressed oil, wine, and the sheared wool from the sheep. They also received portions of the dough, the firstborn of animals, and in addition, the shoulder, the cheeks, and the stomach lining (qeva, the final chamber of a ruminant’s stomach) of every sacrificed animal (Deuteronomy 18:3).
The Levites, on their part, received the tithes from all Israel (v. 24).
However, neither the Cohanim nor the Levites were to have an inheritance, because Yehovah is their inheritance.
The distinction between the roles of the Cohanim and the Levites is clearly established. The Cohanim were responsible for duties such as: burning the offerings on the altar, sprinkling the blood, making libations of wine, oil, or water — and many other tasks. None of these could be delegated to the Levites; it was strictly the responsibility of the Cohanim to carry them out.
One Response
Very interesting