In every community there are bad examples, people whose stories serve as a warning of “what not to do.” In the book of Jude, the author identifies three people from the Old Testament whose bad choices characterize the false teachers that had infiltrated the early church.

Jude begins, “Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain” (v. 11). What is the “way of Cain?” Some think it is a spirit of murder. But while Cain did murder his brother Abel, it was the result of the “way” he had chosen. Cain envied his brother and rejected God’s counsel (Gen. 4:3–7). As a result of that envy, he murdered his brother and refused to submit to God’s instruction.

Second, Jude mentions “Balaam’s error.” In the book of Numbers, Balak, the king of Moab had requested that a non-Israelite prophet named Balaam curse Israel (Num. 22:4–7). Directed by God, Balaam was not allowed to do so. However, Balaam did try to hinder God’s program by directing Moabite women to seduce the men of Israel (25:1; 31:15–16). He partially obeyed God but worked the system to obtain a profit and hinder God’s purpose.

Finally, Jude lists the rebellion of Korah. In Numbers 16, Korah led a group of leaders against Moses and Aaron. He stated to Moses and Aaron: “You have gone too far! The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is with them. Why then do you set yourselves above the LORD’S assembly?” (Num. 16:3). Korah refused to submit to godly authority, and he and his family paid with their lives.

What do all three of these people have in common? They all turned from God and pursued their own self- interest. They were judged by God for their disobedience. Jude issues a stern warning that we must learn from their mistakes and obey God wholeheartedly.

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