A
comparison between the first parashah of Korach (16:1 – 13) and the second and
third parashot of Yitro (Exodus / Sh’mot 18:13 – 27).
Korach – a great-grandson of
Levi
called to service at the Tabernacle
took men, instigated, and rebelled against Moses (v. 2)
included two sons of Reuben
included 250 leaders, members of the council,
men of
reputation Levitical and civil leaders working together
in rebellion
assembled themselves together
accused Moshe and Aharon of “taking too much on”
themselves
the whole community is holy
why do you lift yourselves up above Adonai’s
assembly?
Moshe falls on his face, seeking the L-rd apparently
he states that he will let the L-rd choose
whomever He
chooses to be near Himself
Moshe also tells the rebels that it is they
who are taking
too much upon themselves – they have all night to
reconsider
Moshe reminds them that they, the sons of
Levi, have
already been set apart, brought close in order to do
the work of Adonai and stand in front of the
assembly
it is not enough, the office of cohen must be
theirs
also – it’s not Aharon they are complaining against –
Moshe
does not mention their attack on himself
the Reubenites – Datan and Aviram, refuse to
even
go speak with Moshe face-to-face
Yitro – priest of Midian /
Kenite / Moshe’s father-in-law / not a child
of Ya’akov
observes Moshe’s “typical (?)” day of judging among the
people
advises that If G-d is directing you, there should be a
hierarchy
in the deciding of disputes
Moshe obviously concurs and chooses competent men to
decide the less demanding disputes
Korach and others – not remembering
the incident in
B’midbar 12 when Miryam and Aharon criticized Moshe.
G-d dealt with them, and as a result the
whole company
had to remain in one place seven days while Miryam was
shut out
of the camp
Is it not obvious in this week's parashah as to who is self-exalting
and who is not? For thos of us who have read the rest of the story,
our suspicions are proven out.
Reminds me of Luke 14 –
sitting in the lowest place or the seat of honor
Matthew 23:11 – 12 “The
greatest among you must be your servant, for
whoever promotes himself will be
humbled, and whoever humbles
himself will be promoted.”
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