Numbers 16:6
You, Korah, and all your followers are to do as follows: Take censers,
You, Korah, and all your followers are to do this
This phrase sets the stage for a significant event in the narrative of Numbers 16. The context is a rebellion led by Korah against Moses and Aaron, challenging their God-given authority. The Hebrew root for "Korah" (קֹרַח) is associated with baldness or ice, symbolically reflecting a coldness or lack of spiritual warmth, which can be seen in Korah's rebellious actions. Historically, Korah was a Levite, and his followers included 250 leaders of the community, indicating a substantial challenge to Moses' leadership. This rebellion is not just against human authority but against God's ordained order.

Take censers
The word "censers" (מַחְתּוֹת) refers to small, portable vessels used for burning incense. In the Hebrew tradition, censers were significant in the worship practices of the Israelites, symbolizing prayer and the presence of God. The use of censers in this context is ironic and tragic, as they are being used in an act of rebellion rather than worship. The censers are a reminder of the sacred duties of the priesthood, which Korah and his followers are attempting to usurp. This act of taking censers is a direct challenge to the established priestly order, which God had ordained through Aaron.

and tomorrow
The word "tomorrow" (מָחָר) signifies a specific time set by Moses for God to reveal His will regarding the rebellion. It indicates a period of waiting and anticipation, a divine pause allowing for reflection and repentance. In the biblical narrative, "tomorrow" often signifies a moment of decision or judgment, as seen in other scriptural contexts where God acts decisively. This time frame underscores God's patience and the opportunity for Korah and his followers to reconsider their actions.

put fire and incense in them before the LORD
The act of putting "fire and incense" (אֵשׁ וּקְטֹרֶת) in the censers is a ritualistic act meant to invoke God's presence. Fire, in biblical symbolism, often represents God's holiness and judgment. Incense, on the other hand, symbolizes prayer and the ascent of the soul to God. The combination of fire and incense in this rebellious context is a perversion of their intended use, highlighting the gravity of Korah's challenge. The phrase "before the LORD" (לִפְנֵי יְהוָה) emphasizes the direct confrontation with God's holiness, as the rebels are bringing their challenge into the divine presence, where true authority resides.

The man the LORD chooses will be the one who is holy
This phrase underscores the central theme of divine election and holiness. The Hebrew word for "chooses" (יִבְחַר) conveys the idea of divine selection, emphasizing that it is God who appoints leaders, not human ambition. "Holy" (קָדוֹשׁ) refers to being set apart for God's purposes. This statement is a reminder that true holiness and leadership come from God's choice, not human assertion. It serves as a warning to Korah and his followers that their rebellion is not just against Moses and Aaron but against God's sovereign will.

You Levites have gone too far!
The phrase "gone too far" (רַב־לָכֶם) is a rebuke from Moses, highlighting the audacity and presumption of Korah and his followers. The Levites were already set apart for special service to God, yet Korah's rebellion shows a discontent with their God-given role. This phrase serves as a caution against pride and ambition, reminding believers of the importance of contentment and obedience to God's calling. It reflects the broader biblical theme of humility and submission to divine authority, which is essential for maintaining order and harmony within the community of faith.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Korah
A Levite who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, challenging their leadership and the priesthood.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness.

3. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the appointed high priest of Israel.

4. The Rebellion
An event where Korah, along with Dathan, Abiram, and 250 community leaders, questioned the authority of Moses and Aaron.

5. Censers
Implements used for burning incense, symbolizing the offering of worship and prayer to God.
Teaching Points
Respect for God-Ordained Leadership
God appoints leaders for His purposes, and challenging them without cause is a challenge to God's authority.

The Importance of Obedience
Obedience to God's commands is crucial, especially in matters of worship and service.

The Dangers of Pride and Rebellion
Pride can lead to rebellion, which ultimately results in separation from God and His blessings.

The Role of Intercession
The use of censers symbolizes intercession and the importance of approaching God with a pure heart.

God's Holiness and Justice
God's response to rebellion underscores His holiness and the seriousness of sin.
Bible Study Questions
1. What motivated Korah and his followers to challenge Moses and Aaron, and how can we guard against similar attitudes in our own lives?

2. How does the use of censers in this passage relate to the role of prayer and worship in our relationship with God?

3. In what ways does the account of Korah's rebellion illustrate the consequences of pride and disobedience?

4. How can we apply the principle of respecting God-ordained leadership in our church and community today?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a challenge to authority. How did you respond, and what biblical principles can guide you in future situations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 30:1-10
Describes the altar of incense and the role of the priest in offering incense, highlighting the sacredness of this act.

Leviticus 10:1-2
The account of Nadab and Abihu, who offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, resulting in their death, emphasizing the importance of following God's commands.

Hebrews 5:4
Discusses the calling of the high priest, reinforcing that no one takes this honor upon themselves but must be called by God, as Aaron was.

Jude 1:11
Warns against following the way of Korah, illustrating the dangers of rebellion against God's appointed leaders.
Discontent a Rebellion Against GodJ. Burroughs.Numbers 16:1-35
Elevated Character Exposed to ViolenceT. Guthrie.Numbers 16:1-35
Envy and its Bitter FruitsE.S. Prout Numbers 16:1-35
Every Man in His PlaceJ. Parker, D. D.Numbers 16:1-35
Every Man Should Walk as He is Called of GodJ. Spencer.Numbers 16:1-35
Fatal DiscontentJ. Parker, D. D.Numbers 16:1-35
KorahR. A. Hallam, D. D.Numbers 16:1-35
Korah, Dathan, and AbiramJ. C. Gray.Numbers 16:1-35
Korah, Dathan, and AbiramIsaac Williams, B. D.Numbers 16:1-35
Korah, Dathan, and AbiramPreacher's AnalystNumbers 16:1-35
Korah, Dathan, and AbiramBp. Harvey Goodwin.Numbers 16:1-35
Korah, Dathan, and AbiramC. Kingsley, M. A.Numbers 16:1-35
Leaders of DisaffectionC. H. Mackintosh.Numbers 16:1-35
Presumptuous ServiceJ. Parker, D. D.Numbers 16:1-35
Separation for Nearness to GodC. New.Numbers 16:1-35
The Greater Our Means are to Prevent SinW. Attersoll.Numbers 16:1-35
The Privileges of the LevitesHenry, MatthewNumbers 16:1-35
The Resentment of Moses Against SinnersNumbers 16:1-35
Whatsoever Evil Men Do, They are Ready to Justify ItW. Attersoll.Numbers 16:1-35
Wicked Ambition Faith Fully RebukedW. Jones.Numbers 16:1-35
The Reply of Moses to KorahD. Young Numbers 16:4-11
Korah's RebellionW. Binnie Numbers 16:4-35
People
Aaron, Abiram, Dathan, Eleazar, Eliab, Israelites, Izhar, Kohath, Korah, Levi, Levites, Moses, Pallu, Peleth, Reuben, Reubenites
Places
Wilderness of Paran
Topics
Band, Burning, Censers, Censors, Company, Followers, Korah, Perfumes, Vessels, Yourselves
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 16:1-7

     8269   holiness, separation from worldly

Numbers 16:1-35

     5714   men

Numbers 16:1-50

     5550   speech, negative

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

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