Numbers 16:26

And he warned the congregation, "Move away now from the tents of these wicked men. Do not touch anything that belongs to them, or you will be swept away because of all their sins."

Study Bible

He warned the assembly
In this phrase, we see Moses taking on the role of a prophet and leader, issuing a warning to the people. The Hebrew root for "warned" is "אָמַר" (amar), which means to say or speak. This is not merely a casual statement but a solemn declaration. Moses, as God's appointed leader, is acting as the mouthpiece of divine instruction. Historically, leaders in Israel were often tasked with guiding the people back to God's commandments, and Moses' warning is a continuation of this tradition. The assembly, or "קָהָל" (qahal), refers to the gathered community of Israel, emphasizing the collective responsibility and unity of the people in adhering to God's commands.

Move back from the tents of these wicked men!
The command to "move back" is a call for physical and spiritual separation. The Hebrew word "סוּר" (sur) means to turn aside or depart. This is a directive to distance oneself from sin and its consequences. The "tents" symbolize the dwelling places and, by extension, the lives and actions of the "wicked men," who are identified as Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. The term "wicked" is derived from the Hebrew "רָשָׁע" (rasha), indicating those who are guilty or in rebellion against God. This phrase underscores the biblical principle of holiness, which requires separation from sin and those who practice it. Archaeologically, tents were the primary dwelling structures during the Israelites' wilderness journey, representing both physical and spiritual domains.

Do not touch anything that belongs to them
The instruction "do not touch" is a prohibition against any form of association or contamination. The Hebrew "נָגַע" (naga) means to touch or strike, implying that even the slightest contact with the accursed could lead to defilement. This reflects the biblical concept of purity, where contact with the unclean renders one unclean. The phrase "anything that belongs to them" highlights the totality of the separation required. Historically, this command echoes the broader biblical narrative where God's people are called to be distinct and set apart from the practices and possessions of those who oppose Him.

or you will be swept away because of all their sins
The consequence of disobedience is to be "swept away," a phrase that conveys complete destruction or removal. The Hebrew "סָפָה" (saphah) means to consume or destroy. This is a stark warning of the judgment that befalls those who align themselves with rebellion against God. The phrase "because of all their sins" points to the cumulative nature of sin and its inevitable judgment. The Hebrew "חֵטְא" (chet) refers to offenses or transgressions against God's law. Scripturally, this serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the importance of obedience to God's commands. The historical context of this passage, set during the wilderness wanderings, illustrates the constant tension between faithfulness to God and the temptation to rebel, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. In this passage, Moses is warning the congregation to separate themselves from the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.

2. Korah, Dathan, and Abiram
These men led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, challenging their God-given authority. They represent disobedience and defiance against God's established order.

3. The Congregation of Israel
The assembly of the Israelites who are being warned by Moses to distance themselves from the rebels to avoid sharing in their punishment.

4. The Tents of the Wicked Men
Symbolic of the dwelling places and possessions of those who have sinned against God. The tents represent the sphere of influence and the physical manifestation of their rebellion.

5. The Wilderness
The setting of this event, representing both a place of testing and a place of divine provision for the Israelites.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
Obedience to God's commands and His appointed leaders is crucial. Rebellion against God's order leads to severe consequences.

Separation from Sin
Just as the Israelites were warned to distance themselves from the tents of the wicked, Christians are called to separate themselves from sinful influences and practices.

The Consequences of Rebellion
The account of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram serves as a warning about the dangers of pride and rebellion against God's authority.

Community Responsibility
The congregation had a responsibility to heed Moses' warning. Similarly, believers today have a responsibility to uphold righteousness within their communities.

God's Justice and Mercy
While God is just in punishing sin, He is also merciful in providing warnings and opportunities for repentance.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram teach us about the dangers of challenging God's appointed leaders?

2. How can we apply the principle of separating from sin in our daily lives, especially in a world filled with temptation?

3. In what ways does the account of Numbers 16:26 reflect the broader biblical theme of obedience and rebellion?

4. How can we, as a community of believers, ensure that we are not influenced by "wicked men" or sinful practices?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to make a difficult decision to distance yourself from a negative influence. How did this align with the teachings of Numbers 16:26?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 32
The rebellion of the golden calf, where the Israelites turned away from God, parallels the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. Both instances show the consequences of turning against God's appointed leaders.

Psalm 1
This Psalm contrasts the way of the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing the importance of not associating with sinners, similar to Moses' warning to the congregation.

2 Timothy 2:19
Paul speaks about departing from iniquity, echoing the call to separate from sin and those who practice it, as Moses instructed the Israelites.