Another matter, it does not say: Koraḥ “disputed,” “assembled,” “spoke,” “commanded,” but rather, “took.” What did he take? He took nothing; rather, his heart took him. The verse said: “To what does your heart take you, and what do your eyes intimate?” (Job 15:12).
Rabbi Levi said: Why did Koraḥ enter into a dispute with Moses? He said: ‘I am the son of oil, “son of Yitzhar,” (Numbers 16:1), as it is stated: “[And He will bless…] and your wine [vetiroshekha], and your oil [veyitzharekha], the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks, in the land regarding which He took an oath to your forefathers to give to you” (Deuteronomy 7:13). “Vetiroshekha” – this is wine.
Veyitzharekha – this is oil. Every liquid into which you place oil, it is on top. Moreover, it is written: “He said: These are the two anointed dignitaries [benei hayitzhar],27Literally, “sons of oil.” who attend the Lord of the entire land” (Zechariah 4:14). Does oil have children?
Rather, these are Aaron and David, who were anointed with anointing oil. Aaron took the priesthood, and David, the kingship. I. who am the son of oil, am not anointed, and should become priest and king.’ Immediately, he entered into a dispute with Moses.