In Parashat Korach (Numbers 16–18), we witness a powerful drama that reveals the dangerous consequences of ego, jealousy, and rebellion. Korach, a Levite, along with Dathan, Abiram, and 250 others, challenges the authority of Moses and Aaron, saying:

“You take too much upon yourselves! For all the congregation are holy… Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?” (Numbers 16:3)

At first glance, Korach’s words sound egalitarian. But as the Rabbis teach, his motivations were not pure. He cloaked personal ambition in the guise of spiritual rhetoric. His rebellion was not about holiness—it was about ego.

The Blinding Power of Ego

The Sages explain that Korach was driven by jealousy and self-interest. He resented the fact that Aaron had been appointed High Priest, and he desired that role for himself. The Midrash Tanchuma says that Korach was blinded by his ambition and could not see the truth, even as it stared him in the face.

The result? Division, conflict, and ultimately destruction. The earth opens and swallows Korach and his followers (Numbers 16:32), a dramatic expression of how unchecked ego and rebellion can consume a person entirely.

Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler writes that ego (yesh, the sense of “I am”) is the root of all conflict. When the ego dominates, we compare ourselves to others, become resentful, divisive and seek control. This leads not to empowerment—but to separation from others and from God.

Divine Consciousness: The Path to Peace

In contrast, Moses represents Divine Consciousness—humility, surrender, and clarity. The Torah says:

“Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all the men on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3).

Moses did not seek power or position; he simply followed God’s will. Because he was not ruled by ego, he was at peace with his role and with others. His humility allowed him to be a vessel of divine guidance, uniting rather than dividing.

Jewish wisdom teaches that when one is aligned with the Divine Will, one becomes a channel for blessing, peace, and unity. Instead of fighting for position, the soul resting in Divine Consciousness finds contentment, clarity, and a deep trust in God’s plan.

Korach’s Descendants: A Testament to Mercy and Blessing

Amazingly, the Torah also tells us:

“But the children of Korach did not die” (Numbers 26:11).

Though Korach himself was swallowed by the earth, his children who distanced themselves from his rebellion were spared. This is a powerful testament to individual choice and divine mercy. Rather than being cursed by association, they became recipients of great spiritual blessing.

From their line came some of the Levite psalmists, and most notably, the prophet Samuel—one of the greatest leaders and prophets in Israel’s history (see 1 Chronicles 6:22–28) and the focus of this weeks Haftarah in I Samuel 11:14-12:22. The Midrash teaches that Samuel’s righteousness was so great that he was considered equal to both Moses and Aaron (see Psalm 99:6).  Watch the Haftarah teaching below for more understanding on this amazing truth…

A Lesson for Today

Korach’s downfall warns us of the destructive nature of ego-driven thinking. When we allow jealousy, ambition, or comparison to rule our minds, we become blind to truth and lose sight of the blessings already given to us. We turn against others and ultimately against ourselves.

But when we cultivate humility and trust—living from a consciousness that seeks to serve rather than to dominate—we open ourselves to peace, unity, and divine blessing.

Melech David in wisdom and inspiration wrote,

“Seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:15)

Rabbi Shaul also admonished true believers 2000 years ago saying,

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Rom. 12:18)

Solomon revealing the wisdom of humility (without ego) like Moshe taught that this is the true path to prosperity and a long life of abundance: 

“The reward of humility and fear of the LORD is riches, honor, and life” (Proverbs 22:4)

In Summary:

Parashat Korach teaches that ego divides and destroys, while Divine Consciousness unites us and blesses us in a contentment of knowing our Identity in the Creator rather than the Created.

May we strive to quiet the voice of the ego within us, and like Moses, become humble vessels for peace, love, and truth. When we do, we not only avoid the pitfall of rebellion—we also inherit the true Promised Land: a life of harmony with God and others!

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Study by Rabbi Isaac. © Assembly of Called-Out Believers.
Website: CalledOutBelievers.org. Use by Permission