KORACH SON OF YITZHAR SON OF KEHOS SON OF LEVI TOOK, WITH DASAN AND AVIRAM SONS OF ELIAV, AND ON SON OF PELES, SONS OF REUVEN (Bamibar 16:1).
Why is Korach's lineage traced as far back as Levi? Torah does not usually identify people by their great-grandfather!
Korach's distinguished lineage shows how far he fell. Despite his family heritage he chose spiritual disgrace (Maharal).
Korach's identity as a Levite was a cause of controversy. Though he had a distinguished position Korach was jealous of those Levites who had a higher position within the tribe. Sons of Reuven joined the controversy as they harbored resentment at the Levites; their ancestor Reuven lost his first born status which was later assumed by the Levites (Rav Avigdor Miller).
