Personal Dispute
“Korah the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi took along with Dathan and Abiram...” (Bamidbar 16:1)
It does not say “And Korach and Dathan and Abiram took,” but rather “Korach... took,” in the singular. This is because, in this dispute, each one cared only for himself, and each was a party unto himself. (Rabbi Zvi Hirsch Kalischer)
Not for the Sake of Heaven
“What is a dispute not for the sake of Heaven? The dispute of Korach and all his congregation.” (Avot 5:17) It does not say “Korach and Moses,” but “Korach and his congregation,” because even within Korach’s own group there was discord. Each one sought honor for himself, and this itself is a sign that the dispute was not for the sake of Heaven. (Yaarot Devash)
The Merit of Lineage
The verse enumerates and details the lineage of Korach and his men—one the son of this, another the grandson of that. Usually, this is the only merit of those who engage in disputes, and by its power, they dare demand honors and high positions. (the Seer of Lublin)
Attempts at Peace
“And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram” (Numbers 16:12).
Even though Dathan and Abiram were known habitual disputants, never missing an opportunity to quarrel and argue, Moses sent to call them, perhaps he could influence them. This is because “one does not persist in dispute”—in matters of dispute, the rule of ‘presumption’ (chazakah) does not apply; there is always an obligation to try to make peace. (Ketav Sofer)
