The following article is taken from an article posted on The Genesis Epic called Men of Renown – Part v – Korah and Beyond
The Three Religious Enemies of God
Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. (Jude 1:11)
  Let us now experience time travel in the world of words by connecting the 4th book in the Bible (Numbers) to the next to last book in the Bible (Jude). (How the books in the Bible (KJV) are numbered is determined by how I and II Samuel, I and II Kings, and I and II Chronicles are numbered; nevertheless or regardless of this, Jude is the sixty-fifth (65) book in the Bible, placed before the last book in the Bible called the Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ: which is the sixty-sixth (66) book in the Bible. I do not want to spend time on the difference between these two numbering systems, although they both have spiritual significance and meaning. )
  In the next to the last book in the Bible (the book of Jude) we have three men mentioned, Korah (Core) is the last of these three names recorded, and it is the last mention of the name of Korah/Core. Through the name Korah (the leader of the revolt against God’s authority) we see the end result of the evil influence from religious men in power, and men of renown in the pulpits. These three individuals are notoriously known as enemies of God: religious enemies of God. As I have written many times before, RELIGION is not Christianity, religion has nothing to do with being a Christian. Christianity is a REVELATION and a RELATIONSHIP, not a religion. (This is a very difficult concept for many to comprehend.) Christianity is not centered around Place-worship. It is centered around Person-worship: the Person of Jesus Christ.
CAIN
The Religious Man
His Way
Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. (Jude 1:11)
  The first enemy of God named in the book of Jude is Cain. He represents man in his natural sinful state worshiping whatever, whoever, and however he desires to worship. All the ways of a man [are] clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits. (Proverbs 16:2) This 16th Chapter of Proverbs connects to Numbers Chapter 16.
And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD? (Numbers 16:3)
 There are many articles about Cain on this website. Therefore here is a link for you on CAIN, and now, let us move on to the other two names.
BALAAM
The Corrupt Religious Man
Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. (Jude 1:11)
  The next person mentioned is Balaam. His recorded history begins in Numbers Chapters 22 – 24. I will not write much about him at this time, as I plan (God willing) to write an article later on, however, I will only say that Balaam represents ecclesiastical corruption. He loved money, he loved being paid for his services, and it mattered not to him who placed gold and silver in his palms. Serving kings and government leaders was his ‘higher calling.’ He didn’t just accidentally gravitate to money. He RAN after it. I think that if Balaam had lived in our time frame that he would be the leader of the largest church ever, maybe a television superstar renown for his charming articulate sermons with a perfect dental plan and presentation. And he would also have the greatest funding campaign system that would make professional profiteering politicians envious.
KORAH / CORE
The Religious Man Working Against God
Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. (Jude 1:11)
  Then lastly, we have Korah (Core). He represents religious opposition to God’s authority, and he especially symbolizes religion’s attempt to replace God’s set priesthood in Christ with religion’s own man-made hierarchical system of priestcraft. It is easy to associate Korah/Core with the word ‘opposition,’ because the word ‘gainsaying’ means AGAINST.
 The Holy Spirit of God places these three men in a specific order to show how Satan works through his ministers of righteousness. Firstly, religious men of renown allow, accept, and teach that God welcomes ALL forms of worship. (This is false!) Then secondly, there are other false ministers of righteousness who allow, accept, and teach that God allows and accepts ONLY their form of religion. (This is false!) And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (2nd Corinthians 11:14) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. (2nd Corinthians 11:15) But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:8)
  There is only ONE way, there is only ONE truth, there is only One Mediator, and that is The Lord Jesus Christ, the WORD of God. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)
  The Holy Spirit of God placed Cain first in this three-man order. Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. (Jude 1:11) The first step that Satan took to draw mankind away from God and His Word was to present man with the false premise that there is another way to approach God. The preciseness of the Holy Spirit choosing just the correct word in every thought is a wonder to behold — gone in the way of Cain.
  Then after Satan has drawn men away into another way, then he presents them with the lust of the flesh. Do not merely assume that the word ‘lust’ only refers to sexual lust, it is much more — ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward. Balaam lusted after wealth, he coveted (or lusted) after acclaim and honor by being compensated for his actions. He lusted and coveted after reward. Again we see the precision of words that the Holy Spirit used: ran — greedily — error — reward.
What shall we say then? [Is] the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. (Romans 7:7)
For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (1st John 2:16)
  Do not say that there is no such thing as GREED for REWARD in the religious community. Scores have been overcome with the greed of Balaam for reward. Many will not preach unless they are paid a prescribed amount with benefits added (housing, insurance, utilities and etc., etc.). Those who pay them rationalize it all, and those who accept payment believe that it is their due and reward.
Side Note: The example set by the apostle Paul. The apostle Paul accepted gifts and he worked. He set the example for others to follow.
After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;Â (Acts 18:1) And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. (Acts 18:2) And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. (Acts 18:3) And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. (Acts 18:4)
I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. (2nd Corinthians 11:8) And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself. (2nd Corinthians 11:9)
For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;Â (2nd Thessalonians 3:7) Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: (2nd Thessalonians 3:8) Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. (2nd Thessalonians 3:9)
  The way of Cain leads to being rewarded by those who are also in the same way. This leads us to the last religious man of renown: Korah/Core recorded in the book of Jude. This type of person is the most influential of all of our men of renown because he is supposedly the closest in active ministry to the things of God; consequently, he is thought to be spiritually minded and close to God. The deepest form of betrayal is from those closest to the betrayed.
SIDE NOTE: The Kiss of Betrayal – And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. (Luke 22:47) But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? (Luke 22:48)
Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him, (John 12:4) Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? (John 12:5) This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. (John 12:6)
  Levites consisted of three branches of service. The first and closest to the things in the Tabernacle was of the family of Kohath. Their responsibility was the removal and setting up of the holy things: the furniture, all that was within the Tabernacle. Gershon was responsible for the hangings and the curtains. The family of Merari was responsible for the things that held the structure or frame work of the Tabernacle: the boards, pillars and bars. All three families were personally identified with the things that were under their service. (Read Numbers Chapters 3 and 4.) The moving of the Tabernacle required eight thousand, five hundred and eighty men (8,580) to be actively involved in the journey from camp to camp. (Numbers 4:48)
  All working together unified, and yet, each had a specific work. All working together united carrying the precious things of God (that represented and symbolized His Glory in Jesus Christ) through their wilderness journey. Every Christian is (spiritually speaking) responsible for carrying the precious things of God with reverence and with honor through our wilderness journey or the things of God will suffer.
  Our man of renown in this study, Korah, was not satisfied with the honor of his responsibility and position. He wanted more. He wanted his way and not God’s way. He wanted more recognition, more influence, and more control over the things of God. Korah desired the way of Cain, and he lusted after the rewards of Balaam. This is the religious man of renown in the corrupt world of religion.
God’s Warning to All Religious Men of Renown
Woe unto them!
Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. (Jude 1:11)
  The study of ‘the woes’ in Scripture would take something that I do not have, a lifetime. Here are some interesting facts about the word ‘woe’ — there are sixty-five (65) verses with the word ‘woe’ in the Old Testament, however, this word is recorded for a total of sixty-six (66) times. Isn’t this a great fact? The word ‘woe’ is one number short of being fulfilled in the Old Testament in 6 – 6 because it is through the New Testament that we see this number completed in the 6 – 6 – 6. It is through the New Testament that the Old is fulfilled. It is through the New Testament that all that preceded comes to fruition.
  The culmination of judgment upon earth dwellers in the word ‘woe’ cannot be expressed sufficiently with other expressive words such as: great anguish, deep sorrow, and incomprehensible suffering; therefore, a small word was chosen by the Holy Spirit of God to express the promised time of the greatest and deepest lamentation of the body, soul, and spirit of all earth dwellers. This word ‘woe’ maybe small (three letters in the Hebrew, and four letters in the Greek) but it is GIGANTIC in its culmination.
  Here is another interesting fact about the word ‘woe.’ There are a number of verses where this word is mentioned more than once, however, there is only one place in Scripture where they are mentioned consecutively. This double ‘woe, woe’ is in the book of Ezekiel, Chapter 16, verse 23. Notice what this double ‘woe, woe’ is related to! Go ahead and guess before you read.
Moreover thou hast taken thy sons and thy daughters, whom thou hast borne unto me, and these hast thou sacrificed unto them to be devoured. Is this of thy whoredoms a small matter, (Ezekiel 16:20)
That thou hast slain my children, and delivered them to cause them to pass through the fire for them? (Ezekiel 16:21)
And in all thine abominations and thy whoredoms thou hast not remembered the days of thy youth, when thou wast naked and bare, and wast polluted in thy blood. (Ezekiel 16:22)
And it came to pass after all thy wickedness, (woe, woe unto thee! saith the Lord GOD;)Â (Ezekiel 16:23)
That thou hast also built unto thee an eminent place, and hast made thee an high place in every street. (Ezekiel 16:24)
  The double ‘woe’ is directly connected to what God calls thy wickedness. The wickedness of taking what God calls my children, and sacrificing them to their abominations. Wow . . . du’ya think that God was angry? Wow woe . . . du’ya think that God IS angry with those who built an eminent place, and a high place in every street celebrating their murderous acts of their own children. This double ‘woe’ is not to be taken lightly. All earth dwellers who make laws to enable the murder of the unborn acceptable, and all those who promote the murder of their children will rightly and justly experience double woes. Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law? (Psalm 94:20) Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed; (Isaiah 10:1) WOE. WOE.Â
GOD IS NOT SILENT!
  There are many woes in the Old Testament. The following references have been specifically selected to re-enforce the theme of this article.
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20) Woe unto [them that are] wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! (Isaiah 5:21)
Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: (Isaiah 30:1)
Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 23:1)
Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing! (Ezekiel 13:3)
Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe [be] to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? (Ezekiel 34:2)
But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in [yourselves], neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. (Matthew 23:13)
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites ! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. (Matthew 23:14)
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. (Matthew 23:15)
Woe unto you, [ye] blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! (Matthew 23:16)
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier [matters] of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. (Matthew 23:23)
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. (Matthew 23:25)
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead [men’s] bones, and of all uncleanness. (Matthew 23:27)
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, (Matthew 23:29)　
But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. (Luke 11:42)
Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets. (Luke 11:43)
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over [them] are not aware [of them]. (Luke 11:44)　
  The Lord Jesus Christ (while on the earth that He had created) clearly spoke against the evil hypocrisy of the religious leaders of His time span. How much more do those of our time span deserve His words against their hypocrisy. God judges His sanctuary first. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? (1st Peter 4:17) His judgment will be much more than words. One of the promises of God is judgment! GOD IS NOT SILENT!
  Let us now look beyond the double ‘woe.’ What could possibly be more than a double ‘woe?’ It is the triple ‘woe, woe, woe.’ There is only one reference of a triple ‘woe.’
And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound! (Revelation 8:13)
  There is no requirement to read the entire 8th Chapter of the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. However, there is a connection to the ‘censer’ in our 16th Chapter of the book of Numbers. (Revelation 8:5) However, I do not want to be diverted from the theme of this article; therefore, at your own risk to your mental condition read Revelation Chapter 8 in anticipation of what is about to occur on our planet very shortly. Whether you will be alive to experience the effects of a triple ‘woe’ is unknown, but those who will see the end deserve everything that they have worked so hard for. Their reward is sure. God is merciful and full of grace . . . and He is Judge. He has judged and He will judge. And His judgment will begin with the church.
WOE. WOE. WOE.
GOD IS NOT SILENT!
  There is a professing church and a possessing Church. The difference is that one church professes that they are members of the body of Christ, however, the possessing Church actually possesses Christ, and, thus, Christ lives within them. One talks the talk only, the other lives Christ totally.Â
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: (John 17:22)
  I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. (John 17:23)
  Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. (John 17:24)
  O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. (John 17:25)
  And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them. (John 17:26)
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© Copyright 2021, Mary Haigh
This article may be used, but not for gain. Freely ye have received, freely give.
All Scripture references are from the Authorized King James Bible. (KJV)