Pinchas

After the plague, which was averted only by Pinchas' courageous act to avenge the honor of Hashem, nearly destroyed the nation, the Torah once again counts the nation to see how many people are left.

The Torah then lists the names of the people who were left, with additional commentary on those who had something noteworthy happen to them.

One such example: ובני אליאב נמואל ודתן ואבירם, the sons of Aliav were Nemual & Dassan & Aviram. Then the posuk mentions an incident and continues הוא דתן ואבירם אשר הצו על משה ועל אהרן בעדת קורח , that's Dassan & Aviram that fought with Moshe & Aaron with the assembly of Korach.  

It’s very interesting to note that Korach himself, the instigator of the argument with Moshe, isn't mentioned at all when they list Shevet Levi. So why are Dasan & Aviram mentioned when they were only the sidebar to Korach, played a minor role. Why not Korach, himself; why does the Torah have to recount their part?

There is a fascinating explanation given by רב בן ציון ציזלינג. When it comes time to appoint a rabbi over a city, there is a great dispute among the people as to what kind of rabbi to appoint. The learners want a talmid chacham while the regular people want someone entertaining, a good speaker with good stories and the business men want a worldly rabbi.

Everyone wants one that is best suited for his needs. Then you have the people that join in the dispute just to add fuel to the fires. They’re not really interested in selecting a rabbi at all; they will just get involved in every argument just to keep the disputes going.  

This is how we could understand the story of Korach, who, at least, had cause to debate Aaron's appointment as Kohen Kadol. The bechorim were supposed to be the Kohanim or anyone from Shevet Levi, which had been selected as the shevet from whom the Kohanim would be selected. Therefore Korach, who was from Shevet Levi & was a Bechor, as well, had something to gain by debating Aaron. It could have been him instead of Aaron.

However, when we’re told that Dassan & Aviram were in this too, it’s astounding. Why would they get involved in a fight in which they had no stake. They were neither Levi'm nor Bechorim. That's why the posuk says הוא דתן ואבירם ... These are the instigators that get involved in disputes in which they can't gain. Rather, they just get involved for the sake of argument.

On the other hand, Hashem gives Pinchas the covenant of peace. What did Pinchas do? He stopped the plague that was destroying the people. He killed Zimri who was also instigating the people against Moshe. We must learn from here to stay far away from machlokes and not to get involved, especially in things that don't concern us. Then, we, too, will be blessed with the covenant of peace!