What happened to the other 9 sons of Jacob? Why weren’t their children listed? Why only the sons of Korach? What happened to his brothers, Nepheg and Zechir and their families? It seems as if this whole section was added because of what happened later to Korah and his sons and to give names to the parents of Moses. It’s interesting that Miriam is not mentioned. Previously,the names of Moses’parents were omitted when it would have been natural to list them. Why?
You are right on target with your questions. Many of the great biblical commentators have tackled these issues and dealt with the specifics in different ways. Perhaps I can introduce you to the most accepted way to view this passage as a means to start you in the right direction. All agree that the main purpose of these verses is to introduce the leaders of Israel, Moses and Aaron, and their lineage as the redemption commences. Nachmanides writes that the reason it did not just start with the tribe of Levi was to prevent one from erring and assuming that Levi had assumed a higher status because of Moses and Aaron. Therefore, Levi is listed third as per its order of birth. Rabbi Samson Rafael Hirsch has another interesting insight. The verses begin with Reuben, the firstborn, and continue through to Levi to show that the leadership was based purely on personal merit,and that G-d had, as it were, “gone down the list” until He found those who were truly worthy.
I hope you found this helpful for starters.
Sincerely,
R’Daniel Fleksher