1. Korah—Izhar’s son, Kohath’s grandson, and Levi’s great-grandson—with Dathan and Abiram, Eliab’s sons, and On, Peleth’s son, descendants of Reuben,
2. rose up against Moses, along with two hundred fifty Israelite men, leaders of the community, chosen by the assembly, men of reputation.
3. They assembled against Moses and Aaron and said to them, "You’ve gone too far, because the entire community is holy, every last one of them, and the Lord is with them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the Lord’s assembly?"
4. When Moses heard this, he fell on his face.
5. He spoke to Korah and all his community, "In the morning the Lord will make known who is his, who is holy, and who is able to approach him. The one he chooses for himself is the one who will be able to approach him.
6. This is what must be done. Korah and your entire community: Take censers for yourselves.
7. Tomorrow put fire in them and place incense on them in the Lord’s presence. The man whom the Lord chooses, that one is holy. You Levites have gone too far!"
8. Moses said to Korah, "Listen, you Levites,
9. isn’t it enough for you that Israel’s God has separated you from the Israelite community to allow you to approach him, to perform the service of the Lord’s dwelling, and to serve before the community by ministering for them?
10. He has allowed you and all your fellow Levites with you to approach him. Yet you also seek the priesthood?
11. Thus you and your entire community have assembled against the Lord. But Aaron, what is he that you complain about him?"
12. Moses sent for Dathan and Abiram, Eliab’s sons. But they said, "We won’t come up!