Korah (and gang), then Israel, grumbled against Moses & Aaron. This is because 

they despised the Lord.

Swift judgment was executed- in an earthquake, fire from the heavens and a 

plague. All in all, close to 15000 people died.And to make sure they do not repeat 

this same defiance, 2 signs or objects were given to memorialise this tragedy. 

1. Grip of sin. 

Israel is intractably sinful. They just kept sinning. Despite many punishments, 

and even pardons of mercy, they can not change. They are a picture of you 

and me- we are all stricken with an intractable disease called sin.

2. Gravity of sin. 

God judged all sin in Israel. And ours will be too. Eternal torment in hell awaits 

unrepentant sinners.

3. Grace for sin. 

Atonement and cleansing were available through the Levitical priesthood- 

priest and sacrifice. They point to the true priest and sacrifice Jesus, who 

pleads for us before the Father’s throne, His finished sacrificial work on the cross. 

This is the ultimate good news of the Bible.

They who believe in Him will be saved.

And they who believe in Him can and will serve the living God.