But those who died from the plague numbered 14,700, in addition to those who had died on account of Korah. But those who died in the plagueThis phrase refers to the tragic consequence of rebellion against God's appointed leadership, specifically Moses and Aaron. The Hebrew word for "plague" is "מַגֵּפָה" (magefah), which often denotes a divine judgment or punishment. Historically, plagues were seen as direct interventions by God to correct or discipline His people. In the context of Numbers 16, the plague was a response to the rebellion led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, who challenged the authority given by God to Moses and Aaron. This serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness with which God views rebellion and the importance of respecting His established order. numbered 14,700
The specific number, 14,700, underscores the severity of the judgment. Numbers in the Bible often carry symbolic weight, and while this number is literal, it also reflects the magnitude of the sin and the corresponding divine response. The large number of deaths serves as a stark warning to the Israelites and to readers today about the consequences of disobedience and lack of faith. It highlights the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin, reminding believers of the need for repentance and obedience. in addition to those who died
This phrase indicates that the 14,700 who perished in the plague were in addition to those who had already died due to the earth swallowing up Korah and his followers. It emphasizes the cumulative impact of the rebellion and the widespread nature of the judgment. The additional deaths serve as a further testament to the gravity of the situation and the extent of God's displeasure with the rebellion. on account of Korah
Korah's rebellion is a central theme in this chapter, and his name here serves as a reminder of the instigator of the revolt. Korah, a Levite, challenged the leadership of Moses and Aaron, seeking to elevate himself and others to positions of power. His actions were not just a personal affront to Moses and Aaron but a direct challenge to God's chosen order. The phrase "on account of Korah" highlights the personal responsibility and influence of Korah's actions, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and ambition that go against God's will. It reminds believers of the importance of humility and submission to God's authority. Persons / Places / Events 1. KorahA Levite who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, challenging their leadership and the priesthood. 2. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. 3. AaronThe brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel, appointed by God. 4. The PlagueA divine punishment sent by God as a result of the rebellion, which resulted in the death of 14,700 Israelites. 5. The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who were journeying through the wilderness to the Promised Land. Teaching Points The Consequences of RebellionRebellion against God's appointed leaders and His commands leads to severe consequences. We must respect and submit to God's authority. The Seriousness of SinSin is not a trivial matter. The plague that struck the Israelites serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and its impact on the community. God's Justice and MercyWhile God is just and punishes sin, He also provides opportunities for repentance and restoration. We must seek His mercy and forgiveness. The Importance of IntercessionMoses and Aaron's intercession for the people highlights the power and necessity of prayer and standing in the gap for others. Learning from the PastThe events in Numbers 16 serve as a warning and lesson for us today. We should learn from the past to avoid repeating the same mistakes. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from the rebellion of Korah about the dangers of challenging God's appointed leadership? 2. How does the response of Moses and Aaron to the plague demonstrate the importance of intercessory prayer? 3. In what ways can we apply the lessons from the Israelites' rebellion to our own lives and communities today? 4. How do the events in Numbers 16 connect with the warnings given in 1 Corinthians 10 about the consequences of disobedience? 5. What steps can we take to ensure that we remain obedient and faithful to God's commands in our daily lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 32The incident of the golden calf, where the Israelites rebelled against God, leading to a plague as punishment. Leviticus 10The death of Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's sons, for offering unauthorized fire, highlighting the seriousness of approaching God improperly. 1 Corinthians 10Paul references the events in the wilderness as warnings for believers, emphasizing the consequences of rebellion and disobedience. Hebrews 3Discusses the rebellion in the wilderness and encourages believers to remain faithful and obedient to God. People Aaron, Abiram, Dathan, Eleazar, Eliab, Israelites, Izhar, Kohath, Korah, Levi, Levites, Moses, Pallu, Peleth, Reuben, ReubenitesPlaces Wilderness of ParanTopics 14, 700, Affair, Apart, Beside, Besides, Caused, Deaths, Die, Died, Disease, Fourteen, Hundred, Korah, Matter, Plague, Seven, ThousandDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 16:1-50 5550 speech, negative Numbers 16:41-49 5297 disease Numbers 16:41-50 4843 plague 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 16:49 NIVNumbers 16:49 NLTNumbers 16:49 ESVNumbers 16:49 NASBNumbers 16:49 KJV
Numbers 16:49 Commentaries
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