And Moses said to Korah, "You and all your followers are to appear before the LORD tomorrow--you and they and Aaron. So Moses said to KorahThe name "Moses" is derived from the Hebrew "Mosheh," meaning "drawn out," reflecting his miraculous rescue from the Nile. Moses, as the leader chosen by God, represents divine authority and guidance. His confrontation with Korah, whose name means "bald" or "ice," symbolizes a clash between divinely appointed leadership and human rebellion. This moment is pivotal, as it underscores the importance of obedience to God's chosen leaders. You and all your followers
The phrase "all your followers" indicates the collective rebellion against Moses and, by extension, against God. In Hebrew, "followers" can imply those who are led astray or those who have chosen to align themselves with a particular cause. This highlights the danger of collective dissent and the influence of charismatic but misguided leadership. It serves as a warning against the perils of following human ambition over divine command. are to appear before the LORD
The phrase "appear before the LORD" signifies a summons to divine judgment. In Hebrew, "before the LORD" (lipne YHWH) implies standing in the presence of the Almighty, a place of both reverence and accountability. This is not merely a physical appearance but a spiritual confrontation, where the truth of one's heart and actions are laid bare before God. It is a reminder of the ultimate authority and justice of God. tomorrow
The word "tomorrow" indicates a specific time set by God for judgment. It reflects the patience and mercy of God, allowing time for reflection and repentance. In the biblical context, "tomorrow" often signifies an impending divine action or revelation. It serves as a reminder that God's timing is perfect, and His plans are always fulfilled according to His divine schedule. you and they and Aaron
The inclusion of "you and they and Aaron" emphasizes the distinction between the rebels and God's appointed priest, Aaron. Aaron, whose name means "exalted" or "strong," represents the legitimate priesthood and God's chosen mediator. This phrase highlights the separation between those who seek to usurp God's order and those who faithfully serve within it. It underscores the importance of recognizing and respecting God's established authority and the roles He assigns within His divine plan. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. In this passage, Moses is addressing Korah and his followers. 2. KorahA Levite who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, challenging their leadership and the priesthood established by God. 3. AaronThe brother of Moses and the appointed high priest. He represents the legitimate priesthood that Korah and his followers are challenging. 4. The LORDThe God of Israel, who has established the leadership and priesthood of Moses and Aaron. The confrontation is ultimately before Him. 5. The Tent of MeetingThe place where God would meet with Moses and Aaron, and where this confrontation is to take place. Teaching Points Respect for God’s Appointed LeadershipGod establishes leaders for His purposes. Challenging them without cause is challenging God’s authority. The Seriousness of RebellionRebellion against God’s order is not just a personal choice but a spiritual defiance that can have severe consequences. Approaching God with ReverenceThe confrontation at the Tent of Meeting underscores the importance of approaching God with the right heart and respect for His holiness. Unity in the Body of BelieversDisputes and divisions can weaken the community of believers. Unity under God’s appointed leadership is crucial for spiritual health. God’s Sovereignty in JudgmentGod is the ultimate judge of disputes and rebellion. Trust in His justice and timing. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the rebellion of Korah teach us about the importance of respecting God’s appointed leaders in our own church communities? 2. How can we discern when a challenge to leadership is justified or when it is a rebellion against God’s order? 3. In what ways can we ensure that we are approaching God with the reverence and respect He deserves in our personal and communal worship? 4. How does the account of Korah’s rebellion relate to the New Testament teachings on church unity and authority? 5. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced division within a church or community. How can the lessons from Numbers 16:16 guide your response to such situations in the future? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 28-29These chapters describe the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests, establishing the divine appointment that Korah is challenging. Leviticus 10The account of Nadab and Abihu, who offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, serves as a warning about the seriousness of approaching God without His authorization. Jude 1:11This verse references Korah's rebellion as a warning against rejecting God's appointed leaders and authority. | Discontent a Rebellion Against God | J. Burroughs. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Elevated Character Exposed to Violence | T. Guthrie. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Envy and its Bitter Fruits | E.S. Prout | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Every Man in His Place | J. Parker, D. D. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Every Man Should Walk as He is Called of God | J. Spencer. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Fatal Discontent | J. Parker, D. D. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Korah | R. A. Hallam, D. D. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Korah, Dathan, and Abiram | J. C. Gray. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Korah, Dathan, and Abiram | Isaac Williams, B. D. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Korah, Dathan, and Abiram | Preacher's Analyst | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Korah, Dathan, and Abiram | Bp. Harvey Goodwin. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Korah, Dathan, and Abiram | C. Kingsley, M. A. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Leaders of Disaffection | C. H. Mackintosh. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Presumptuous Service | J. Parker, D. D. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Separation for Nearness to God | C. New. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | The Greater Our Means are to Prevent Sin | W. Attersoll. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | The Privileges of the Levites | Henry, Matthew | Numbers 16:1-35 | | The Resentment of Moses Against Sinners | | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Whatsoever Evil Men Do, They are Ready to Justify It | W. Attersoll. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Wicked Ambition Faith Fully Rebuked | W. Jones. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Korah's Rebellion | W. Binnie | Numbers 16:4-35 | | The Destruction of Korah and His Company | D. Young | Numbers 16:16-35 |
People Aaron, Abiram, Dathan, Eleazar, Eliab, Israelites, Izhar, Kohath, Korah, Levi, Levites, Moses, Pallu, Peleth, Reuben, ReubenitesPlaces Wilderness of ParanTopics Aaron, Along, Appear, Band, Company, Congregation, Followers, Korah, Morrow, Present, Tomorrow, To-morrowDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 16:1-35 5714 men Numbers 16:1-50 5550 speech, negative Numbers 16:8-33 7206 community Numbers 16:16-18 4318 coal
7386 incense Library September 3. "The God of Israel Hath Separated You" (Num. xvi. 9).
"The God of Israel hath separated you" (Num. xvi. 9). The little plant may grow out of a manure heap, and be surrounded by filth, and covered very often with the floating dust that is borne upon the breeze, but its white roots are separated from the unclean soil, and its leaves and flowers have no affinity with the dust that settles upon them; and after a shower of summer rain they throw off every particle of defilement, and look up, as fresh and spotless as before, for their intrinsic nature cannot …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth Death Swallowed up in victory
Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory! D eath, simply considered, is no more than the cessation of life --that which was once living, lives no longer. But it has been the general, perhaps the universal custom of mankind, to personify it. Imagination gives death a formidable appearance, arms it with a dart, sting or scythe, and represents it as an active, inexorable and invincible reality. In this view death is a great devourer; with his iron tongue …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Whether Vengeance Should be Taken on those who have Sinned Involuntarily?
Objection 1: It seems that vengeance should be taken on those who have sinned involuntarily. For the will of one man does not follow from the will of another. Yet one man is punished for another, according to Ex. 20:5, "I am . . . God . . . jealous, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation." Thus for the sin of Cham, his son Chanaan was curse (Gn. 9:25) and for the sin of Giezi, his descendants were struck with leprosy (4 Kings 5). Again the blood …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Conflict.
"Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against themselves, that ye …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
Text: 1 Corinthians 10, 6-13. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
Presented to the World in a Familiar Dialogue Between Mr. Wiseman and Mr. Attentive. By John Bunyan ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The life of Badman is a very interesting description, a true and lively portraiture, of the demoralized classes of the trading community in the reign of King Charles II; a subject which naturally led the author to use expressions familiar among such persons, but which are now either obsolete or considered as vulgar. In fact it is the only work proceeding from the prolific …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 16:16 NIVNumbers 16:16 NLTNumbers 16:16 ESVNumbers 16:16 NASBNumbers 16:16 KJV
Numbers 16:16 Commentaries
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