6, 7. (a) Of what was the Levite Korah guilty? (b) What happened to Korah and those who joined him? (c) How should we view “rebellious talk”?

⁶ Another warning example cited by Jude was that of the Levite Korah, who resorted to “rebellious talk.” Driven by ambition, he falsely charged Moses with having selfishly arranged for his own brother, Aaron, to become high priest, and accused Aaron of having grabbed the honor of the priesthood for himself and his family. Korah did not respect the glory or dignity God conferred upon Aaron and his sons, but rebelled against God’s appointments.

⁷ Though Korah and certain Reubenites drawn to his side had been saved out of Egypt, they never entered the Promised Land. Instead, the earth opened up and some of them were buried alive, whereas others were burned to death by fire from Jehovah. Next, 14,700 Israelites that murmured at this judgment from God died by a scourge from Jehovah. (Numbers, chapter 16) So certain was the execution of God’s judgment against the rebellious “ungodly men” that Jude said they “have perished.” It was as good as done! How all of this should prompt us to avoid “rebellious talk”!

3. Of what was Cain guilty?

³ Concerning the “ungodly men” who defied Jehovah, Jude wrote:

“Too bad for them, because they have gone in the path of Cain, and have rushed into the erroneous course of Balaam for reward, and have perished in the rebellious talk of Korah!” (Jude 11)

In saying “too bad for them,” Jude indicated that woe would befall the “ungodly men” who had crept into the congregation of Jehovah’s people. (Compare Luke 11:42-47, 52.)