NUM208 We should be wary of the motivations of instigators of disputes. Korach tried to arouse others to rebel against Moshe. He protested that Moshe was taking too much glory and power for himself and his brother Aharon. "The whole congregation is holy and God is among them," said Korach. He tried to give the impression that he was interested in equality and the welfare of the entire nation. But Rashi cites the Midrash Tanchuma in which it is explained that Korach rebelled against Moshe because he was jealous of the princeship of Elitzofon, the son of Uzziel. Moshe had appointed Elitzofon over the family of K'hos by the command of the Almighty. Korach, however, said, "My father was one of four sons. Amram was the firstborn and his two sons (Moshe and Aharon) received high office. One was a king and the other a High Priest. On whose shoulders should the next honor devolve? Surely it is I, the son of Yitzhor, who is second to Amram. Yet Moshe appointed Elitzofon as prince of the family of K'hos, even though he stemmed from a younger brother. Therefore I will rebel against him and nullify his words." From here we see a fundamental principle that applies to many disputes. Quite often the person who instigates a dispute is motivated by the desire for personal gain. In order to attract followers, however, he claims that he is interested in the good of others. A person should be aware of this tendency so that he will not be misled by people who desire to create a dispute. (Chayai Olam, vol. 2, pp. 35-6).