Chumash Classes: Korach

Introduction, an overview of Korach who he was and why did he rebel against Moshe at this time? (Ch. 16 verse 1)

Korach and his assembly confront Moshe, claiming that he has taken to much power for himself and his brother. Korach contends that all the people are holy and heard G-d at Mt. Sinai. Moshe falls on his face. He then addresses Korach and his assembly and tells them that in the morning it would become evident whom G-d has chosen to serve as the High Priest. (Ch. 16 verses 2 - 5)

The portion continues with Korach's rebellion against Moshe and Aaron. Moshe tells them to bring their fire pans and that G-d would chose only one of them to serve Him, the others would die. Moshe tried to convince them to end their rebellion but he did not succeed.(Ch. 16 verses 6 - 11)

Continues with Korach's rebellion. Moshe tries to appease Dasan and Aviron, but to no avail. Moshe has Korach, Aaron, and the 250 men gather at the entrance to the Mishkan with their fire pans and incense. G-d then tells Moshe to have the people separate from Korach and his assembly.(Ch. 16 verses 12 - 22)

Moshe warns the people to separate from Korach and Dasan and Aviron. He tells the people that G-d would bring a new Creation to punish their rebellion that would prove once and for all that all that Moshe had done was by the command of G-d.(Ch. 16 verses 23 - 35)

The people complain about Moshe and Aaron after the death of the 250 men. G-d brings a plague against the people because of their complaints. 14,700 men die before Aaron, upon Moshe's command takes his firepan and burns incense on it which stops the plague.(Ch. 17 verses 1 - 15)

Even with those being consumed by the fire, others swallowed by the earth, and those dying in the plague the people were still not convinced that the tribe of Levi had been chosen to serve G-d in the Mishkan. So there was one last test, that of the staffs that would prove once and for all that both Aaron and the tribe of Levi had been chosen by G-d and not Moshe.(Ch. 17 verses 16 -28)

Deals with the duties of the priests and the levites in the Mishkan/Temple. Also the 24 gifts that were given to the priests.(Ch. 18 verses 1 - 13)