Moses Warns Korah's 250 Men to Take Censers of Fire

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Korach 11:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

(Numbers 16:6-7:) "Do this: take censers, [Korah and all his company], and put fire in them." Why did he see fit to say this to them? He said to them: In the religions of the worshippers of stars there are many errors, and many customs, and many priests, and they all gather in one house; but I have nothing except one God, and one Torah, and one law, and one altar, and one high priest. Yet you, two hundred and fifty men, are seeking the high priesthood. I too am willing in this. Therefore, (Numbers 16:11:) "you and all your company who have gathered together against the LORD." (Numbers 16:6:) "Do this: take censers." Here, for you, is the most beloved service of all: the incense, which is more beloved than the sacrifices. Yet a deadly poison was placed within it, for by it Nadab and Abihu were burned. Therefore he warned them, (Numbers 16:7:) "And it shall be that the man whom the LORD chooses, he is the holy one," etc.—he is already in his holiness. "And it shall be that the man whom the LORD chooses"—he already is, for whoever the LORD chooses, he is the holy one. Rather, Moses said to them: See, I am telling you that you should not bring guilt upon your own souls. The two hundred and fifty of you who are offering—whoever among you is chosen will come out alive, and all of you will perish.

Themes

PriesthoodMosesWarFireRebellion

Biblical References

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Midrash AggadahKorah's Censers and the One Man God Would Choose to LiveWhen Korah and his company rose against the priesthood, Moses did not meet them with anger but with warning. Bring your firepans, he told them, and let the HolyMekhilta DeRabbi YishmaelMoses, Aaron and Chur Went Up to the Top of the HillThree men climbed to the top of the hill before the battle against Amalek: Moses, Aaron, and Chur (Exodus 17:10). The Mekhilta explains that their ascent was noMekhilta DeRabbi YishmaelAaron and Chur Supported His Hands One on One SideDuring the battle against Amalek, Moses stood on a hilltop with his arms raised, channeling divine power to the Israelite warriors below. But holding your arms Midrash AggadahKorah's Wife, the Shaved Levites, and the All-Blue CloaksWhen the razor passed over every Levite, Korah too bared his head, his beard, his whole body, and went home shorn. His wife mocked him. "Who told you to do thisSifra, Mekhilta deMiluimHow Moses Lifted the Wave Offering at Aaron's ConsecrationOn the day the priesthood was sworn in, when the Mishkan stood new and the smoke of the first offerings climbed toward heaven, there was a gesture the Torah wilSifra, Mekhilta deMiluimThe Silence of Aaron and the Fire That Hallowed the MishkanHow did the sons of Aaron die? Two strands of fire came forth from the Holy of Holies and split into four. Two threads entered the nostrils of one son, two the