BaMidbar (Numbers) 16:1

1st Aliyah

Korach, son of Izhar son of Kohath, son of Levi separated himself, with Dathan and Aviram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth, the offspring of Reuven.
The Torah teaches us that during times of suffering and privation, there tends to be a psychological separation of the people from their leaders.  Thus, the people are subject to persuasive demagogues who take advantage of the circumstances for their own benefit.  Korach's time was one of these crucial periods in the life of the Jewish nation, a time when their entire future seemed at stake.

BaMidbar (Numbers) 16:14

2nd Aliyah

"Moreover, you did not bring us to a land flowing with milk and honey nor give us a heritage of field and vineyard! Even if you would gouge out the eyes of these men, we shall not go up!"

The Torah teaches us that in the rebellious words came statements; "Although you promised us a Land flowing with milk and honey, you led us into the wilderness instead.  Then you mocked us by telling us how to live in that Promise Land which we were not to enter.  You told us to leave the corners of our fields and our vineyards whereas we have inherited neither fields nor vineyards.  What use are the Mitzvot (advice) to us in a Land in which you have given us nothing?"

BaMidbar (Numbers) 16:20

3rd Aliyah

HaShem spoke to Moshe and Aharon, saying, "Separate yourself from amid this assembly, and I shall destroy the entire assembly in an instant!"

The Torah teaches us that Moshe thought that this referred to a separation from the entire people and he immediately exclaimed: shall one man sin and You be Angry with the entire assembly?  HaShem then explained that only Korach's group was meant.  The command to separate from that group does not at all imply that HaShem would not be rescue individuals from among the crowd.

BaMidbar (Numbers) 17:9

4th Aliyah

HaShem spoke to Moshe, saying, "Remove yourself from among this assembly, and I shall destroy them in an instant!" They fell on their faces.

The Torah teaches us that HaShem request Moshe and Aharon to elevate themselves above the level of those who were guilty.  They were to renounce any affection they might have had for the rebels and relinquish all sympathy for their point of view.  That is why Moshe and Aharon now fell upon their faces, they did not take the time to pray for the guilty. It was time to act quickly.

BaMidbar (Numbers) 17:16

5th Aliyah

HaShem spoke to Moshe, saying, "Speak to the Children of Yisra'el and take from them one staff for each father's hose, from their leaders according to their fathers' house, twelve staffs; each man's name shall you inscribe on his staff."

The Torah teaches us that a spiritual hierarchy was now being established to the Children of Yisra'el, and there was a need to have it take root in their hearts and minds of all present.  The division of the people into categories of Kohanim, Levites, and the people would now come fixed for all time, as a part of everyday life of the chosen people.

BaMidbar (Numbers) 17:25

6th Aliyah

HaShem said to Moshe: "Bring back the staff of Aharon before the Testimony as a safekeeping, as a sign for rebellious ones; let their complaints cease from Me that they do not die."

The Torah teaches us that the staff remained in bloom for centuries.  It was placed in front of the Holy Ark through most of the first First Temple era, together with a flask of manna, until they were all hidden by King Yosiah.

BaMidbar (Numbers) 18:21

7th Aliyah

"To the sons of Levi, behold! I have given every tithe in Yisra'el as a heritage in exchange for the service that they perform, the service of the Tent of Meeting--so that the Children of Yisra'el shall not approach the Tent of Meeting to bear a sin to die."

The Torah teaches us that Levites, too, are rewarded for their dedication to the service of HaShem, by receiving two offerings. First tithe, one-tenth of crops after all field labor has been done by others, in return for the labor that they devoted to their sacred service; and second tithe, they receive produce to make up for the portion of the Land that they were required to forfeit for their service through HaShem.

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