The Matter of Timing
Parashat Korach, Numbers 16:1-18:32
Rachel Martins, Tikvat Israel, Richmond, VA
There is a rhythm to time that only God fully understands.
We measure our days in hours and moments, rushing from one thing to the next, yet the Creator moves with eternal purpose—never late, never early, always perfect. In the noise of life, it is easy to forget that his timing is not only different from ours . . . it is holy. But have you ever stopped to fully think about how God sees and uses time?
Our human minds, though created by him, cannot fully fathom the grandeur and holiness of our Creator. Yet, in His zealous love, He imparts glimpses of Himself through Scripture, Creation, and the love expressed within our community.
When we consider God’s timing, we should also recognize how He works all things for His glory. We see His hand not only in seasons of joy and redemption but also in times of profound sorrow and loss. While it can be difficult to understand how God could use tragedy for His glory, Scripture repeatedly shows that He is able to bring purpose and redemption even from humanity’s darkest moments. History continues to bear witness to this truth. Even in the midst of suffering, God can use seasons of pain to draw His people back to Himself.
In this week’s parasha, timing meets a devastating crossroads between human desire and God’s divine order, law, and boundaries. Korach, along with Dathan, Abiram, and On, rises up against Moses and Aaron, accusing them of going too far. Korach and his followers argue that “all the community is holy,” questioning why Aaron and his sons alone are chosen for the priesthood.
Many commentaries focus on the gravity of this rebellion—how opposing Moses, Aaron, and ultimately God Himself is a serious offense. But have you ever paused to consider where Korach came from? What position did he hold before his rebellion?
Korach was a Levite. According to a midrash in Bemidbar Rabbah 18.3 (some editions number it 18.2), he held a prominent role in carrying the ark with The Ten Commandments, as well as being the third eldest of the great-grandchildren of Levi after Moses and Aaron. He also had great wealth, requiring a caravan of 300 mules just to transport the keys to his treasure house.
In reality Korach could want for nothing, the Lord had provided for him, and yet it wasn't enough.
I would like to imagine that Korach started as someone who was zealous to do what is right in God’s eyes. He carried the ark of the covenant! He was blessed with flocks, herds, and leadership of men.
Yet somewhere along the way, he lost sight of the boundary between himself—a created being—and the eternal, all-knowing holiness of God. Korach seemed unable to recognize his human limitations or the divine order established by the holy Creator.
There is a fine line between pursuing God and attempting to assume a place that is not ours. That line is defined by who God was, who He is, and what He chooses to reveal in His timing.
Korach’s rebellion reminds us how easily jealousy, misunderstanding, and a sense of entitlement can cloud our understanding of God’s will. The phrase, “His timing is perfect,” brings comfort only when we are willing to surrender our own desires, expectations, and frustrations to Him. Korach is an example of the unfortunate consequences of rebellion but yet we discover in the coming chapters there is redemption for his sons (Num 26:11), who write a number of glorious Psalms.
To align ourselves with God’s timeline, we must remain focused on what He has placed before us today. As we await the footsteps of Messiah, we must not allow the busyness or darkness of this world to distract us from God’s eternal perspective of time. Korach did not understand and chose to question why Moses and Aaron were called to be set apart. Instead of stopping and trying to see through God’s vision and timeline he chose to be rebellious. Let us not forget why we are called to be set apart and fully trust in what God has for us even when we cannot see the full timeline.
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may lift you up at the appropriate time. Cast all your worries on Him, for He cares for you. Stay alert! Watch out! Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, searching for someone to devour. Stand up against him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being laid upon your brothers and sisters throughout the world. After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace—who has called you into His eternal glory in Messiah—will Himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. All power to Him forever! Amen. (1 Peter 5:6-11 TLV)