Korach, a descendant of the Tribe of Levi, led a group of 250 people in a revolt against Moshe. His rebellion began after Moshe has appointed his brother Aaron as High Priest and a cousin as a leader of the Levites.  This seemed like nepotism to Korach, as if Moshe was acting without G-d’s directive. G-d Himself put down the rebellion to prove that Moshe had acted in accordance with G-d’s wishes: the earth beneath Korach and his followers opened up and they were swallowed alive.  The earth immediately closed over them, to the point that it was impossible to tell it had just been opened.

Having proven the authenticity of Aaron’s appointment, the Torah then details different presents the Kohanim (Priests) receive from the Jewish people in return for their service of G-d in the Temple.