In the Bible, the covenant is seen as the highest form of cooperation. If you go against the agreements within that covenant, the consequences are for everyone. However, if you choose the good within a cooperation, the fruits are also noticeable for everyone in this cooperation. This is evident in the life of Korach.
The Korachites fulfilled the role of gatekeepers and singers. Ten Psalms bear the inscription: ‘From the Korachites’ (NBG), or ‘from the sons of Korach’ (HSV). The prophet Samuel was a descendant of Korach. The singer Heman, the poet of Psalm 88, was a grandson of the prophet Samuel. During the desert journey (Numbers 16), Korach rebelled. He did not agree that only Aaron and his sons were allowed to fulfill the priesthood. He rallied supporters (leaders of the Israelites, family heads, the most prominent of the community, and fellow tribesmen) and rebelled against Moses and Aaron. He could not have done this better, because by doing so he called God’s judgment upon himself. He and all those who belonged to him were swallowed up by the earth and buried alive.
What is striking is that the sons of Korach escaped this judgment. They belonged to those who had withdrawn from this rebellious group (Numbers 26:11). In this event, God’s intention for His people is made clear: each in their place, honoring one another in it, and functioning cooperatively with the same goal.
Not accepting a position or role within the people was the problem of Korach in this history; he rebelled against the instructions of Moses and therefore of God.
In his descendants we see a different attitude towards Moses and God. God, Who had given them a place in the temple and the worship service. ii In the Bible and in rabbinic literature, the sons of Korach are mentioned several times, and their faith and hope in God are always mentioned.
Looking at David, who entered into union with God by becoming one with Bathsheba, we see a very different response from God. David was not swallowed up by his royal house. He did lose his child, and a curse came upon his family. And yet... Christ came from his bloodline!
A unity that God did not intend always brings consequences.