After the rebellion of Korach against the authority of Moshe, which is related in this week's Torah portion, there is a statement that seems to summarize the lesson to be learned from the bitter fate of the rebels:

"So that there will not be like Korach and his assembly." (Bamidbar 17:5)

There is an interesting takeoff on this which was reportedly suggested by the Chafetz Chaim.

There may be many disputes in the future, but they will never be like the one initiated by Korach. In every other dispute there is the possibility of each side having some measure of justice to their claim. In regard to the dispute between Korach and Moshe, the truth was unequivocally on the side of Moshe representing G-d.

This perhaps explains why Korach and his assembly were swallowed by the earth. There was no place above the ground where there was justification for such a rebellion.

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