Números 16
Steven Cole · Citado em PreceptAustin
Números 16
Cole writes "Like all heretics, Korah and his fellow rebels emphasized one legitimate truth to the exclusion of other truths (Gordon Wenham, Numbers [IVP], p. 134) (ED: aka pretext). It was true that all Israel was to be holy unto the Lord (Ex. 19:6+; Lev. 11:44+; Nu 15:38-41); but it was also true that God had appointed Moses to be the leader over Israel and Aaron and his sons to serve as the officiating priests. Israel was to be a nation of priests before the Lord (Ex. 19:6+), but that did not exclude Moses as God’s appointed mediator and Aaron as the appointed high priest. So their appeal for “equality” for all the people sounded right, but was out of balance. So Korah and the rebels disguised their real motive for wanting to serve in more prestigious positions by claiming, “We just want to follow the word of the Lord, that we’re all holy in His sight.” But the real reason they demanded more preeminence was jealousy and the desire for more power and prestige for themselves. (Sermon) He who hates disguises it with his lips, But he lays up deceit in his heart. -- Proverbs 26:24 THOUGHT - The most important place where you can be is where God puts you. Use your ability and gifts for Him. Don't go through life in a mutiny against the divine destiny and will for your life. If it's God's will for you to lead, then lead. He will open the door. If God wants you to serve and follow, then do it. Many times, God's leaders come from those who have faithfully served Him and others. Leaders come from the ranks of good followers. (Rod Mattoon) Bush - Korah and his associates reasoned that were as worthy the office of ruler and priest as Moses and Aaron. This, however, was a direct encroachment upon a divine institution, for the office of priesthood was an honor which no man was to take to himself, “but he that was called of God as was Aaron,” Heb. 5:4. Under the Christian dispensation the priesthood, properly so termed, is abolished, as all Christians constitute “a holy nation, a royal priesthood;” but still it does not follow from this that all the men of the church are equally qualified to discharge the functions of leaders and teachers. This depends upon their spiritual gifts, which are the true basis of ministerial character. Bush on the LORD is in their midst - That is to say, the Lord, by the sublime symbol of his presence, dwells among the congregation at large, and not merely among the tents of Moses and Aaron and the Levites. This was in itself true, but it did not authorize them to aspire to an office which the Lord had specially appropriated to another party. So why do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD? - NLT = "What right do you have to act as though you are greater than anyone else among all these people of the LORD?" Moses had not exalted himself, God had. In fact from the beginning Moses had tried to back out of the responsibility to lead the people. How do you respond when people question what God has asked you to do? The writer of Hebrews has a comment that clearly refutes Korah's claim... And no one takes the honor to himself, but receives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was. (Hebrews 5:4+) Bush - As we are, in fact, upon a level, no one portion of the people standing higher in the Lord’s sight than another, why do you arrogate to yourselves such a lofty superiority over your brethren? Summary of Israel's Complaints (Source: Ryrie Study Bible) Question: What was the significance of the rebellion of Korah? Answer: Answer: The story of the rebellion of Korah is recorded in Numbers 16. The rebellion of Korah demonstrates the grim consequences of usurping the authority of God and of those whom He has chosen to be leaders of His people. Korah was the oldest son of Izhar, who was the son of Kothath of the tribe of Levi. Korah, then, was of the same tribe as Moses and Aaron. He led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, accusing them of exalting themselves above the congregation of the Lord (Numbers 16:1-3). Korah was not alone in his charge. He gathered 250 other men to challenge Moses’ authority as well: “You have gone too far! The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the Lord is with them. Why then do you set yourselves above the Lord’s assembly?” (Numbers 16:3). Obviously, Korah thought that he could do a better job leading the people than Moses was doing. But by leading this revolt against God’s divinely appointed leaders, Korah was actually revolting against God (Numbers 16:11). Moses proposed a test to prove the source of his authority. Korah and his followers did not pass the test, and God opened up the earth and swallowed the rebels, their families, and all their possessions. Furthermore, “fire came out from the LORD” and consumed the other 250 men who were party to Korah’s rebellion. The rest of the Israelites were terrified and fled (Numbers 16:31-35). The following day, instead of being convinced that God had vindicated Moses and Aaron, the congregation began complaining that they had “killed the LORD’s people.” For this act of rebellion, God threatened to destroy the whole congregation and sent a plague among them. However, Moses and Aaron interceded for the rebels and averted a complete catastrophe. In the end, 14,700 Israelites had died (Numbers 16:41-50). Some 1,500 years later, Jude records a strong warning about such men who come into the church as false teachers, arrogating to themselves the authority of God and His Word: “Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam’s error and perished in Korah’s rebellion” (Jude 1:11, emphasis added). The characteristics of false teachers within the church include pride, selfishness, jealousy, greed, lust for power, and disregard for the will of God. Just like Korah, today’s false teachers disregard God’s plan and are insubordinate to God’s appointed authorities. Their end will be the same as Korah’s. Thus the warning: “Woe to them!” To lead His people Israel, God had selected men of His own choosing. God had no interest in holding a popularity contest, collecting résumés, or letting someone appoint himself to the position of prophet, priest, or leader. Korah’s problem was not that he was unqualified, humanly speaking, for the position, but that he was arrogant, stiff-necked, and self-promoting. Korah, attempting to install himself as the leader, ironically claims that Moses “set [himself] above the LORD’s assembly.” It’s a classic case of the guilty person accusing someone else of his own misdeed. But God did not call Korah; He called Moses (Exodus 3-4). God calls whom He chooses and equips them for service. God’s true leaders, the elders and pastors of the church who shepherd the flock with humility and care, have an accurate understanding of the Scriptures (see Malachi 3:18; Romans 12:2; Ephesians 5:10-11). Such men submit themselves in humble adoration of Christ and His lordship (see Matthew 16:16; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16). They recognize the truth of Jesus’ proclamation, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Most importantly, the true leaders of the church are called by God to their office. False teachers, on the other hand, are “wolves in sheep’s clothing” (Matthew 7:15; cf. Acts 20:29) who choose the fate of Korah over the life of Christ. GotQuestions.org Numbers 16:4 When Moses heard this, he fell on his face; BGT Numbers 16:4 καὶ ἀκούσας Μωυσῆς ἔπεσεν ἐπὶ πρόσωπον NET Numbers 16:4 When Moses heard it he fell down with his face to the ground. NLT Numbers 16:4 When Moses heard what they were saying, he fell face down on the ground. ESV Numbers 16:4 When Moses heard it, he fell on his face, NIV Numbers 16:4 When Moses heard this, he fell facedown. KJV Numbers 16:4 And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face: YLT Numbers 16:4 And Moses heareth, and falleth on his face, LXE Numbers 16:4 And when Moses heard it, he fell on his face. Numbers 16 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Numbers 14:5+ ( Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces in the presence of all the assembly of the congregation of the sons of Israel. Numbers 20:6 Then Moses and Aaron came in from the presence of the assembly to the doorway of the tent of meeting and fell on their faces. Then the glory of the LORD appeared to them; Joshua 7:6 Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the LORD until the evening, both he and the elders of Israel; and they put dust on their heads. MOSES FALLS ON HIS FACE Imagine what was going through Korah's mind! Uh oh, he's going to Yahweh! When Moses heard this, he fell on his face (See Numbers 16:45+). Presumably Aaron joined him. Fell on face is a key phrase in Numbers 16 - Nu 16:2, Nu 16:22+, Nu 16:45+. Only 2 more times in entire book of Numbers (Nu 14:5+, Nu 20:6+). Moses was a man and had manifested his anger before, so surely heat was rising in his bosom and yet he delays an immediate response to the rebels. Instead he falls on his face indicative of (1) his humility (2) his willingness to confess his anger (3) his desire to hear from God what to say and do. THOUGHT - MOSES GIVES A GOOD PATTERN FOR US ALL TO EMULATE. In essence Moses gives us a real-time illustration of the passage in James 1:19-10+ which says "this you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger, for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God." Bush - Aware of the aggravated nature of the offence, and fearful of the tremendous judgment it would be likely to incur, they fell prostrate before God, both to deprecate his displeasure in behalf of the people, and to seek direction in what manner to proceed in this trying emergency. A Jewish commentator says upon this passage, “He was abashed, and cast down his face on the ground unto prayer, and then it was said unto him what he should say unto Korah.” John Barry - Every leader faces power struggles—from those who follow the leader and from those the leader follows. If there isn’t some sort of struggle, the leader probably isn’t doing his or her job well. It’s simple: those who make everyone happy probably aren’t pushing people to be better, and pushing will—at times—frustrate both the leaders and the followers.....Moses could have defended himself by insisting upon the special nature by which God had revealed Himself to him. Or he could have noted to Korah that he is only out of Egypt—and thus able to call Moses into question—because Moses was obedient to God. He even could have noted that Korah was only in leadership at all because Moses listened to God and appointed him. But instead, he insisted on bringing it before God. He did, though, follow up by telling Korah that he had plenty of authority and shouldn’t be so greedy (Num 16:8–11). This event demonstrates the kind of faith that we should all have in what God asks us to do. (Connect the Testaments) Brian Bell - The opposition was staggering! 250 men, all united against Moses & Aaron. Most people aren’t content with rebelling alone! Here we have Mutiny in the Desert!. Yet Moses was not intimidated; he took the matter to the Lord & let Him be the judge! (4,5) [good advice!] How to deal with Criticism Practically! Expect it - It came Jesus way. He was lied about, slandered, blasphemed, & openly ridiculed; & it all finally ended w/a cross. Expect it! Satan will use criticism as a weapon to batter us; God will use it as a tool to build us. Evaluate it - Consider the source. Not all criticism is bad.Tozer, “If the critic is right, he has helped you. If the critic is wrong, you can help him. Either way, someone gets helped.” Watch out for Praise/flattery - It’s a general rule that the person who is encouraged by praise will be devastated by criticism. “Grant me prudently to avoid him that flatters me, and to endure patiently him that contradicts me.” Thomas `a Kempis. Wait on the Lord - Not, phone a friend; not, gather forces.. Prov.27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Look beyond the Critic - See God on the throne; see the big picture; see how many friends love you; see the purposes God wants to achieve. (Excerpts from Warren Wiersbe; In Praise of Plodders; pg. 15-19)(3) A successful leader is often accused of exalting himself, especially by those who are jealous of him & want to take his place! . (4) Moses fell on his face, that is, he stepped aside so that the rebels should stand face to face with God. We need to act similarly, when we’re unjustly attacked.. 2 Cor.10:18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends. It’s true that all of God’s people are set apart by Him & for Him. But it is also true that God calls some of His people to be leaders in special places of service. (W/o leadership = chaos) Same is true of the church today: all saints are beloved of God, but some have been given spiritual gifts & spiritual offices for the work of the ministry. We are to desire spiritual gifts(1 Cor.14:1), but not to covet another person’s spiritual office.. If a believer wants a place of spiritual leadership, let him prove himself worthy of it by his character & conduct. (Warren Wiersbe) Numbers 16:5 and he spoke to Korah and all his company, saying, "Tomorrow morning the LORD will show who is His, and who is holy, and will bring him near to Himself; even the one whom He will choose, He will bring near to Himself. BGT Numbers 16:5 καὶ ἐλάλησεν πρὸς Κορε καὶ πρὸς πᾶσαν αὐτοῦ τὴν συναγωγὴν λέγων ἐπέσκεπται καὶ ἔγνω ὁ θεὸς τοὺς ὄντας αὐτοῦ καὶ τοὺς ἁγίους καὶ προσηγάγετο πρὸς ἑαυτόν καὶ οὓς ἐξελέξατο ἑαυτῷ προσηγάγετο πρὸς ἑαυτόν NET Numbers 16:5 Then he said to Korah and to all his company, "In the morning the LORD will make known who are his, and who is holy. He will cause that person to approach him; the person he has chosen he will cause to approach him. NLT Numbers 16:5 Then he said to Korah and his followers, "Tomorrow morning the LORD will show us who belongs to him and who is holy. The LORD will allow only those whom he selects to enter his own presence. ESV Numbers 16:5 and he said to Korah and all his company, "In the morning the LORD will show who is his, and who is holy, and will bring him near to him. The one whom he chooses he will bring near to him. NIV Numbers 16:5 Then he said to Korah and all his followers: "In the morning the LORD will show who belongs to him and who is holy, and he will have that person come near him. The man he chooses he will cause to come near him. KJV Numbers 16:5 And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him. YLT Numbers 16:5 and he speaketh unto Korah, and unto all his company, saying, 'Morning! -- and Jehovah is knowing those who are his, and him who is holy, and hath brought near unto Him; even him whom He doth fix on He bringeth near unto Him. LXE Numbers 16:5 And he spoke to Core and all his assembly, saying, God has visited and known those that are his and who are holy, and has brought them to himself; and whom he has chosen for himself, he has brought to himself. Lord: Mal 3:18 2Ti 2:19 who is holy: Nu 16:3 Lev 21:6-8,12-15 Isa 61:5,6 1Pe 2:5-9 Rev 1:6 5:9,10 will bring: Ex 28:43 Lev 10:3 Ps 65:4 Eze 40:46 44:15,16 Eph 2:13 Heb 10:19-22 12:14 even: Nu 17:5 Ex 28:1 Lev 8:2 1Sa 2:28 Ps 105:26 Joh 15:16 Ac 1:2,24 Ac 13:2 15:7 22:14 2Ti 2:3,4 Numbers 16 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries MOSES ANNOUNCES A DIVINE "POP TEST" and he spoke to Korah and all his company, saying, "Tomorrow morning the LORD will show who is His - Show is yada which normally is translated "know" and here conveys the truth that they will know by observing and experiencing what Yahweh does! They will understand who is holy but it will be too late. His company - Lit., “his congregation,” as though he were “attempting to set up a rival ‘Israel’ Who are His recalls Paul's words in Second Timothy Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.” (2 Ti 2:17+) and who is holy - That is who is the one who is truly set apart. Bush - Who is pure, consecrated, pious, ,pertaining to being unique in the sense of superior moral qualities. "That is, the one who is solemnly set apart and consecrated, by divine appointment, to the sacred office of priesthood." (Bush) and will bring him near to Himself; even the one whom He will choose, He will bring near to Himself - NLT = "The LORD will allow only those whom he selects to enter his own presence." The repeated emphasis is the person who God will bring near, in proximity, in intimacy. The verb choose, conveys even a sense of testing or examining involving a careful, well thought out choice. God would not make a mistake! Both verbs used in Ps 65:4 (see below) Choose (0977)(bahar/bachar) in most contexts means to choose or to select. Lot choose Sodom (Ge 13:11). Moses chose able men (Ex 18:25). "Theologically, bāchar asserts the sovereignty of God in all of life. It affirms divine omnipotence and capacity for choice and in so doing declares that purpose and personality, expressing itself in agape love, lie at the heart of reality." (Gilbrant) TWOT adds that bahar/bachar is often "used to express that choosing which has ultimate and eternal significance." Psalm 65:4 How blessed is the one whom You choose and bring near to You To dwell in Your courts. We will be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Your holy temple.
Números 16
Cole says "Moses unmasks them with the truth (Num. 16:8-11):" Numbers 16:9 is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the rest of the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them; BGT Numbers 16:9 μὴ μικρόν ἐστιν τοῦτο ὑμῖν ὅτι διέστειλεν ὁ θεὸς Ισραηλ ὑμᾶς ἐκ συναγωγῆς Ισραηλ καὶ προσηγάγετο ὑμᾶς πρὸς ἑαυτὸν λειτουργεῖν τὰς λειτουργίας τῆς σκηνῆς κυρίου καὶ παρίστασθαι ἔναντι τῆς συναγωγῆς λατρεύειν αὐτοῖς NET Numbers 16:9 Does it seem too small a thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the community of Israel to bring you near to himself, to perform the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the community to minister to them? NLT Numbers 16:9 Does it seem insignificant to you that the God of Israel has chosen you from among all the community of Israel to be near him so you can serve in the LORD's Tabernacle and stand before the people to minister to them? ESV Numbers 16:9 is it too small a thing for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself, to do service in the tabernacle of the LORD and to stand before the congregation to minister to them, NIV Numbers 16:9 Isn't it enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the rest of the Israelite community and brought you near himself to do the work at the LORD's tabernacle and to stand before the community and minister to them? KJV Numbers 16:9 Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them? YLT Numbers 16:9 is it little to you that the God of Israel hath separated you from the company of Israel to bring you near unto Himself, to do the service of the tabernacle of Jehovah, and to stand before the company to serve them? -- LXE Numbers 16:9 Is it a little thing for you, that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, and brought you near to himself to minister in the services of the tabernacle of the Lord, and to stand before the tabernacle to minister for them? ASV Numbers 16:9 seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself, to do the service of the tabernacle of Jehovah, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them; is it not enough Nu 16:13 Ge 30:15 1Sa 18:23 2Sa 7:19 Isa 7:13 Eze 34:18 1Co 4:3 separated: Nu 1:53 3:41-45 8:14-16 18:2-6 De 10:8 2Ch 35:3 Ne 12:44 Eze 44:10,11 Ac 13:2 Numbers 16 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries INGRATITUDE FOR GOD'S GIFT is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the rest of the congregation of Israel - Moses seems to be trying to reason with the rebels, but they have gone too far! NLT = "Does it seem insignificant to you that the God of Israel has chosen you from among all the community of Israel to be near Him." To these Levites who were not priests but were called to service the Holy Tabernacle Moses is saying "Do you regard it as something less than becomes you?”
Números 16
Cole writes "The point is, God has assigned gifts and roles to each person and they are to view those positions as gifts, entrusted to each one to be used in serving the Lord. That’s exactly the point that Paul made to the Corinthians, who were boasting in their gifts, rather than humbly using them to build up others in the body. He told them (1 Cor. 4:7), “For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” Later, he reminded them that God had given each person different gifts to serve the church, much as the human body has many different parts that serve for the overall well-being of the person. He wrote (1 Cor. 12:4-7): Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. So we shouldn’t be jealous of the prestige of those who have more popular ministries than we have, but rather rejoice that the gospel is being preached and the body of Christ is being built up. And we shouldn’t despise or neglect the gifts that God has entrusted to us, but use them to serve Him with thankful hearts. Numbers 16:10 and that He has brought you near, Korah, and all your brothers, sons of Levi, with you? And are you seeking for the priesthood also? BGT Numbers 16:10 καὶ προσηγάγετό σε καὶ πάντας τοὺς ἀδελφούς σου υἱοὺς Λευι μετὰ σοῦ καὶ ζητεῖτε ἱερατεύειν NET Numbers 16:10 He has brought you near and all your brothers, the sons of Levi, with you. Do you now seek the priesthood also? NLT Numbers 16:10 Korah, he has already given this special ministry to you and your fellow Levites. Are you now demanding the priesthood as well? ESV Numbers 16:10 and that he has brought you near him, and all your brothers the sons of Levi with you? And would you seek the priesthood also? NIV Numbers 16:10 He has brought you and all your fellow Levites near himself, but now you are trying to get the priesthood too. KJV Numbers 16:10 And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also? YLT Numbers 16:10 yea, He doth bring thee near, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee -- and ye have sought also the priesthood! LXE Numbers 16:10 And he has brought thee near and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee, and do ye seek to be priests also? ASV Numbers 16:10 and that he hath brought thee near, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee? and seek ye the priesthood also? And are you seeking: Pr 13:10 Mt 20:21,22 Lu 22:24 Ro 12:10 Php 2:3 3Jn 1:9 Numbers 16 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries and that He has brought you near, Korah, and all your brothers, sons of Levi, with you? - Brought you near repeats the truth expressed in the previous passage, emphasizing Korah's, et al, nearness to Yahweh! The idea of brought you near is picked up in the NLT paraphrase "He has given this special ministry only to you and your fellow Levites." They did not come near based on any personal merit but by Yahweh's sovereign choice to bring them near! This should generate gratitude, not discontent! Has brought...near (07126)(qarab) means to come near or approach. It is a verb which basically indicates coming physically closer. Moses was told "Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground." (Ex 3:5+). And so qarab was is used to describe approaching God as in the present passages in Numbers 16 (cf Dt. 4:11; 5:23, 27; Isa. 48:16; 1Sa. 14:36). The Lxx has prosago (pros = toward + ago = to go) which describes someone’s being introduced or given access to another. This is the same verb used by Peter to describe the high privilege of ALL believers, Peter writing "For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us (prosago) to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit." (1 Peter 3:18+) And are you seeking for the priesthood also? - NLT has " but now you are demanding the priesthood as well!" "Not content with the privileges and honors already conferred upon you, do ye aspire also to the office of the priesthood, which the Lord holds at his own disposal, and which he has otherwise bestowed?" (Bush) THOUGHT - Like Korah, we often desire the special qualities God has given others. Korah had significant, worthwhile abilities and responsibilities of his own. In the end, however, his ambition for more caused him to lose everything. Inappropriate ambition is greed in disguise. Concentrate on finding the special purpose God has for you instead of wishing you were in someone else's shoes. (LASB) NET NOTE - Moses discerned correctly the real motivation for the rebellion. Korah wanted to be the high priest because he saw how much power there was in the spiritual leadership in Israel. He wanted something like a general election with himself as the candidate and his supporters promoting him. The great privilege of being a Levite and serving in the sanctuary was not enough for him—the status did not satisfy him. Korah gave no rebuttal. The test would be one of ministering with incense. This would bring them into direct proximity with the LORD. If God honored Korah as a ministering priest, then it would be settled. But Moses accuses them of rebellion against the LORD, because the LORD had chosen Aaron to be the priest. Numbers 16:11 "Therefore you and all your company are gathered together against the LORD; but as for Aaron, who is he that you grumble against him?" BGT Numbers 16:11 οὕτως σὺ καὶ πᾶσα ἡ συναγωγή σου ἡ συνηθροισμένη πρὸς τὸν θεόν καὶ Ααρων τίς ἐστιν ὅτι διαγογγύζετε κατ᾽ αὐτοῦ NET Numbers 16:11 Therefore you and all your company have assembled together against the LORD! And Aaron– what is he that you murmur against him?" NLT Numbers 16:11 The LORD is the one you and your followers are really revolting against! For who is Aaron that you are complaining about him?" ESV Numbers 16:11 Therefore it is against the LORD that you and all your company have gathered together. What is Aaron that you grumble against him?" NIV Numbers 16:11 It is against the LORD that you and all your followers have banded together. Who is Aaron that you should grumble against him?" KJV Numbers 16:11 For which cause both thou and all thy company are gathered together against the LORD: and what is Aaron, that ye murmur against him? YLT Numbers 16:11 Therefore, thou and all thy company who are met are against Jehovah; and Aaron, what is he, that ye murmur against him?' LXE Numbers 16:11 Thus it is with thee and all thy congregation which is gathered together against God: and who is Aaron, that ye murmur against him? ASV Numbers 16:11 Therefore thou and all thy company are gathered together against Jehovah: and Aaron, what is he that ye murmur against him? against: Nu 16:3 1Sa 8:7 Lu 10:16 Joh 13:20 Ro 13:2 as for Aaron: Ex 16:7,8 17:2 Ac 5:4 1Co 3:5 Numbers 16 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries KORAH ET AL AGAINST YAHWEH! Therefore you and all your company are gathered together against the LORD - Make no mistake -- coming against Moses and Aaron was tantamount to coming against Jehovah who had appointed them to their positions. NLT = "The one you are really revolting against is the LORD!" But as for Aaron, who is he that you grumble against him - Aaron did not seek the priesthood but was given the honor by the LORD, thus there is no grounds for grumbling against him. They are grumbling that Aaron is the spiritual leader and thus challenging his leadership. Of course to grumble against Aaron is in effect to grumble against Yahweh Who had appointed him to be high priest! THOUGHT - We need to be very careful when we criticize or grumble against our pastors, for if they are truly God called and God ordained (and hopefully they indeed are!), then our grumbling is against the LORD! And look what happens when we grumble against the LORD! Grumble (03885)(lun) in context means to murmur, making complaining noises or remarks under one's breath - 14x - Ex 15:24; Ex 16:2; Ex 16:7; Ex 16:8; Ex 17:3; Nu 14:2; Nu 14:27; Nu 14:29; Nu 14:36; Nu 16:11; Nu 16:41; Nu 17:5; Jos. 9:18; Ps. 59:15 The Septuagint translates lun with the verb diagogguzo which means to murmur, mutter, make complaining remarks or noises under one's breath. Diagogguzo is an onomatopoeic word derived from the sound made when murmuring or muttering in a low and indistinct voice with the idea of complaint. Numbers 16:12 Then Moses sent a summons to Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab; but they said, "We will not come up. BGT Numbers 16:12 καὶ ἀπέστειλεν Μωυσῆς καλέσαι Δαθαν καὶ Αβιρων υἱοὺς Ελιαβ καὶ εἶπαν οὐκ ἀναβαίνομεν NET Numbers 16:12 Then Moses summoned Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, but they said, "We will not come up. NLT Numbers 16:12 Then Moses summoned Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, but they replied, "We refuse to come before you! ESV Numbers 16:12 And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram the sons of Eliab, and they said, "We will not come up. NIV Numbers 16:12 Then Moses summoned Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab. But they said, "We will not come! KJV Numbers 16:12 And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab: which said, We will not come up: YLT Numbers 16:12 And Moses sendeth to call for Dathan and for Abiram sons of Eliab, and they say, 'We do not come up; LXE Numbers 16:12 And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiron sons of Eliab; and they said, We will not go up. ASV Numbers 16:12 And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab; and they said, We will not come up: Pr 29:9 Isa 3:5 1Pe 2:13,14 Jude 1:8 Numbers 16 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: Proverbs 29:9 When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, The foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest. Jude 1:8+ Yet in the same way these men (cf Dathan and Abiram), also by dreaming, defile the flesh, and reject authority, and revile angelic majesties. REBELS REFUSE MOSES' SUMMONS Summons is a call by an authority to appear, come, or do something. An order or process directing a person, especially a defendant in a case, to appear in court. In a very real sense this summons by Moses was analogous to an order to appear at the judicial hearing in the court (courtyard) of the LORD. They were in effect "in contempt of court" and it would not just be a fine but would cost them dearly as they would be sentence to infernal, eternal punishment! Then Moses sent a summons to Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab - Eliab's name means "God is father," but the sons were hardly living up to their father's name! On the other hand Abiram does live up to his name which come from a Hebrew word (rum) which means to lift up oneself," and so it means something like "father of loftiness," this name reminding us of pride, and indeed in pride he lifted himself up! The ironic twist is that this one who lifted himself UP would soon go DOWN! The Hebrew text (sent a summons) does not mean Moses simply casually called them ("come on up if it is convenient") but more accurately that he was commanding them to make an appearance. And what would that entail if they responded? That would signify that they were submitting to Moses' authority, which their reply makes clear they absolutely would not do. Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling. -- Proverbs 16:18 THOUGHT - Be careful when you are not willing to submit to God's authoritative Word in your life, either as you read it in the Word or hear it from some godly, Spirit filled, wise counselor! but they said, "We will not come up - Korah's co-conspirators would not come.They were like those in Jude 1:8+ men who "reject authority." The irony of this passage is because of their refusal to COME UP, they would end up GOING DOWN! The desire for position and power destroys many men in the service of God. When a man is intoxicated by alcohol, he can recover, but when he is intoxicated by power, he seldom recovers -- Rod Mattoon NET NOTE on not come up - The imperfect tense נַעֲלֶה (na’aleh) expresses their unwillingness to report: “we are not willing,” or “we will not.” The verb means “to go up.” It is used in the sense of appearing before an authority or a superior (see, e.g., Gen 46:31; Deut 25:7; Jdg 4:5). Numbers 16:13 "Is it not enough that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to have us die in the wilderness, but you would also lord it over us? BGT Numbers 16:13 μὴ μικρὸν τοῦτο ὅτι ἀνήγαγες ἡμᾶς ἐκ γῆς ῥεούσης γάλα καὶ μέλι ἀποκτεῖναι ἡμᾶς ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ ὅτι κατάρχεις ἡμῶν ἄρχων NET Numbers 16:13 Is it a small thing that you have brought us up out of the land that flows with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness? Now do you want to make yourself a prince over us? NLT Numbers 16:13 Isn't it enough that you brought us out of Egypt, a land flowing with milk and honey, to kill us here in this wilderness, and that you now treat us like your subjects? ESV Numbers 16:13 Is it a small thing that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, that you must also make yourself a prince over us? NIV Numbers 16:13 Isn't it enough that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the desert? And now you also want to lord it over us? KJV Numbers 16:13 Is it a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except thou make thyself altogether a prince over us? YLT Numbers 16:13 is it little that thou hast brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to put us to death in a wilderness that thou also certainly makest thyself prince over us? LXE Numbers 16:13 Is it a little thing that thou hast brought us up to a land flowing with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, and that thou altogether rulest over us? ASV Numbers 16:13 is it a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, but thou must needs make thyself also a prince over us? CSB Numbers 16:13 Is it not enough that you brought us up from a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the wilderness? Do you also have to appoint yourself as ruler over us? a small: Nu 16:9 out of a: Nu 11:5 Ex 1:11,22 2:23 to kill: Nu 20:3,4 Ex 16:3 17:3 thou make: Ex 2:14 Ps 2:2,3 Lu 19:14 Ac 7:25-27,35 Numbers 16 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries OUT OF THE LAND OF MILK AND HONEY! Is it not enough - NET is more literal "Is it a small thing?" Their question was not to get an answer but was rhetorical to make their point that this was actually a big thing in their mind. That you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey - Did you catch that? Egypt, a land of milk and honey??? This statement shows exactly where their hearts were at! They blame Moses but he was only doing what the Lord God directed so ultimately they are rebelling against Yahweh. Mattoon - People who rebel against God blame everyone and everything but the real problem.... themselves. These folks would not accept responsibility for their disobedience. Because they were playing the blame game, were rebellious, and would not take responsibility for their actions NET NOTE- The modern scholar who merely sees these words as belonging to an earlier tradition about going up to the land of Canaan that flows with milk and honey misses the irony here. What is happening is that the text is showing how twisted the thinking of the rebels is. They have turned things completely around. Egypt was the land flowing with milk and honey, not Canaan where they will die. The words of rebellion are seldom original, and always twisted. THOUGHT - One of the easiest ways to fall away from following God is to look at our present problems and exaggerate them. Dathan and Abiram did just that when they began to long for better food and more pleasant surroundings. Egypt, the place they had longed to leave, was now looking better and better-not because of slavery and taskmasters, of course, but because of its mouthwatering food! These two men and their followers had completely lost their perspective. When we take our eyes off God and start looking at ourselves and our problems, we begin to lose our perspective as well. Overrating problems can hinder our relationship with God. Don't let difficulties make you lose sight of God's direction for your life. (ED: HE IS LEADING YOU TOWARD THE LAND OF MILK AND HONEY, NOT AWAY FROM IT! DON'T BE A DATHANITE!)(LASB) to have us die in the wilderness - Here they come back to the favorite topic, dying in the the wilderness. In Nu 14:2 they even "prayed" "would that we had died in this wilderness!" This was their prayer which God answered affirmatively in Nu 14:28 “Say to them, ‘As I live,’ says the LORD, ‘just as you have spoken in My hearing (THEIR "PRAYER" IN Nu 14:2!), so I will surely do to you; 29 your corpses will fall in this wilderness, even all your numbered men, according to your complete number from twenty years old and upward, who have grumbled against Me." So yes, they will die in the wilderness, but it was what they had asked for and it was a consequence of their sin. Moses had no part in this divine judgement, and in fact the only reason they are alive to rail at him now is because he had plead with Yahweh to pardon them! These men are not just forgetful but they are completely deceived. This is not uncommon for people who begin to experience the consequences of their sin, to begin to blame others for what they themselves are solely to blame! Currid - All of this is leading up to the major complaint of the rebels, which is that Moses has no true authority (you would also lord it over us); his leadership is illegitimate. He is making himself a prince over the people without any divine authority. This accusation had been made many years earlier against Moses in Exodus 2:14, and at that time it appears to have had some validity. But it is not so in the present situation. It may also be a sarcastic remark against Moses’ former status as a prince of Egypt. but you would also lord it over us -NET has "Now do you want to make yourself a prince over us?" Hebrews “That thou makest thyself a prince over us, even making thyself a prince.” The doubling of the clause has the effect to intensify the charge. The implication is, that Moses, without the divine sanction, and prompted solely by his own presumption, was only, wholly, and continuously intent upon self-aggrandizement." (Bush) NET NOTE on lord it over us - The verb הִשְׂתָּרֵר (histarer) is the Hitpael infinitive absolute that emphasizes the preceding תִשְׂתָּרֵר (tistarer), the Hitpael imperfect tense (both forms having metathesis). The verb means “to rule; to act like a prince; to make oneself a prince.” This is the only occurrence of the reflexive for this verb. The exact nuance is difficult to translate into English. But they are accusing Moses of seizing princely power for himself, perhaps making a sarcastic reference to his former status in Egypt. The rebels here are telling Moses that they had discerned his scheme, and so he could not “hoodwink” them (cf. NEB). Cole -- One telltale sign of people who are not in submission to proper authority is that they blame the leaders for problems that they (the people) have brought on themselves. The rebels ask Moses (Num. 16:13), “Is it not enough that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to have us die in the wilderness, but you would also lord it over us?” They’re calling Egypt, where they were enslaved and mistreated, “a land flowing with milk and honey”! Incredible! Numbers 16:14 "Indeed, you have not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, nor have you given us an inheritance of fields and vineyards. Would you put out the eyes of these men? We will not come up!" BGT Numbers 16:14 εἰ καὶ εἰς γῆν ῥέουσαν γάλα καὶ μέλι εἰσήγαγες ἡμᾶς καὶ ἔδωκας ἡμῖν κλῆρον ἀγροῦ καὶ ἀμπελῶνας τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἐκείνων ἂν ἐξέκοψας οὐκ ἀναβαίνομεν NET Numbers 16:14 Moreover, you have not brought us into a land that flows with milk and honey, nor given us an inheritance of fields and vineyards. Do you think you can blind these men? We will not come up." NLT Numbers 16:14 What's more, you haven't brought us into another land flowing with milk and honey. You haven't given us a new homeland with fields and vineyards. Are you trying to fool these men? We will not come." ESV Numbers 16:14 Moreover, you have not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, nor given us inheritance of fields and vineyards. Will you put out the eyes of these men? We will not come up." NIV Numbers 16:14 Moreover, you haven't brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey or given us an inheritance of fields and vineyards. Will you gouge out the eyes of these men? No, we will not come!" KJV Numbers 16:14 Moreover thou hast not brought us into a land that floweth with milk and honey, or given us inheritance of fields and vineyards: wilt thou put out the eyes of these men? we will not come up. YLT Numbers 16:14 Yea, unto a land flowing with milk and honey thou hast not brought us in, nor dost thou give to us an inheritance of field and vineyard; the eyes of these men dost thou pick out? we do not come up.' LXE Numbers 16:14 Thou art a prince, and hast thou brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, and hast thou given us an inheritance of land and vineyards? wouldest thou have put out the eyes of those men? we will not go up. ASV Numbers 16:14 Moreover thou hast not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, nor given us inheritance of fields and vineyards: wilt thou put out the eyes of these men? we will not come up. Moreover: Nu 36:8-10 Ex 3:8,17 Lev 20:24 Numbers 16 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Indeed, you have not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, nor have you given us an inheritance of fields and vineyards - Of course Moses had not done this because God had decreed that they would never inherit those fields and vineyards because of their continual grumbling, rebellion and unfaithfulness to their covenant promises made in Exodus 24:3, 7 where they said, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient!” They had blatantly broken their promises again and again, and now they are so deceived that they try to blame Moses for their self-wrought misfortune!
Números 16
Cole - By “putting out the eyes of these men,” the rebels are exaggerating, claiming that Moses wants to blind men to his true intentions (Allen - EBC). So they’re blaming Moses for not bringing them into the Promised Land when it was they who sided with the ten faithless spies, resulting in God’s judgment that they would all die in the wilderness. THOUGHT - It is unbelievably easy for the Korahs of this world to sit back and say, “If I was leading the nation at Kadesh Barnea, I would have done thus and so.” But Korah was not leading the nation, and men of his type rarely do. God rarely puts the Monday-morning quarterbacks, the backseat drivers, in positions of real leadership—except as a chastisement, to show them just how difficult leadership really is—and that perfect leadership, like perfect anything, is impossible.. Leaders should expect to be held to a higher standard; but it is patently unfair to hold a leader to a perfect standard. (Guzik) Numbers 16:15 Then Moses became very angry and said to the LORD, "Do not regard their offering! I have not taken a single donkey from them, nor have I done harm to any of them." BGT Numbers 16:15 καὶ ἐβαρυθύμησεν Μωυσῆς σφόδρα καὶ εἶπεν πρὸς κύριον μὴ προσχῇς εἰς τὴν θυσίαν αὐτῶν οὐκ ἐπιθύμημα οὐδενὸς αὐτῶν εἴληφα οὐδὲ ἐκάκωσα οὐδένα αὐτῶν NET Numbers 16:15 Moses was very angry, and he said to the LORD, "Have no respect for their offering! I have not taken so much as one donkey from them, nor have I harmed any one of them!" NLT Numbers 16:15 Then Moses became very angry and said to the LORD, "Do not accept their grain offerings! I have not taken so much as a donkey from them, and I have never hurt a single one of them." ESV Numbers 16:15 And Moses was very angry and said to the LORD, "Do not respect their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them, and I have not harmed one of them." NIV Numbers 16:15 Then Moses became very angry and said to the LORD, "Do not accept their offering. I have not taken so much as a donkey from them, nor have I wronged any of them." KJV Numbers 16:15 And Moses was very wroth, and said unto the LORD, Respect not thou their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them. YLT Numbers 16:15 And it is very displeasing to Moses, and he saith unto Jehovah, 'Turn not Thou unto their present; not one ass from them have I taken, nor have I afflicted one of them.' LXE Numbers 16:15 And Moses was exceeding indignant, and said to the Lord, Do thou take no heed to their sacrifice: I have not taken away the desire of any one of them, neither have I hurt any one of them. ASV Numbers 16:15 And Moses was very wroth, and said unto Jehovah, Respect not thou their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them. very wroth: Nu 12:3 Ex 32:19 Mt 5:22 Mk 3:5 Eph 4:26 Respect: Nu 16:6,7 Ge 4:4,5 Isa 1:10-15 1Sa 12:3,4 Ac 20:33,34 1Co 9:15 2Co 1:12 7:2 12:14-17 1Th 2:10 Numbers 16 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries MOSES' RIGHTEOUS ANGER Then Moses became very angry - Paul even commands righteous anger in Eph 4:26 saying "BE ANGRY (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey), AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger, Bush on Moses anger - implies a glowing indignation. The anger, however, excited on this occasion we do not look upon in the light of a sinful infirmity, or as the ebullition of a personal resentment on the part of Moses, but as a holy indignation stirred up in his mind in view of the indignity and insult cast upon the Lord. It was, we suppose, the working of a devout and active zeal for the Lord of hosts, similar to that which was kindled within him when he came down from the mount and found the people engaged in the worship of the golden calf, by which he was prompted to throw down and break to pieces the two tables of stone. A truly good man will be incensed at a dishonor put upon God, when he would meekly forgive an injury done to himself. and said to the LORD, "Do not regard their offering! - Heb. “Turn not to their offering." That is, turn not Your face towards them; bestow not You favorable regards upon them! This is what you might call an imprecatory prayer (see below). NET NOTE on Do not regard - The verb means “to turn toward”; it is a figurative expression that means “to pay attention to” or “to have regard for.” So this is a prayer against Dathan and Abiram. Bush - It was a prayer that the Lord would treat their offering with the same want of respect that he did that of Cain as compared with that of Abel. The sin could not admit of any palliation, and therefore the sinners could not hope for any acceptance. The original for “offering” is minchah, meat or meal-offering, I have not taken a single donkey from them, nor have I done harm to any of them - Moses appeals to the LORD to assess his integrity as a leader. Centuries later Paul would defend himself with similar words... Acts 20:26-27; 33; 35+ “Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27“For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God....33 “I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes.....35 “In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” THOUGHT - When a leader is troubled by rebellious and divisive persons, there is something glorious about a clean conscience. (Guzik) Bush - This was an appeal to the Lord on the part of Moses whether he had ever in any, even the slightest particular, abused his power, or encroached upon the rights or the property of any person. He was accused by the conspirators of usurpation, which would of course imply oppression and extortion. But as he had committed neither oppression nor extortion, he can boldly affirm his innocence of the charge of usurpation. So far was he from this, that he declares before God that he had not taken, i. e. received by gift or reward, even the vilest beast; much less had he appropriated any thing of the kind by violent seizure....Despotic power all over the East, and from the earliest ages, has always asserted itself by imposing the most galling burdens of tribute and taxation. Comp. 1 Sam. 8:16. Related Resources: Integrity - A Whole Heart Give Me An Undivided Heart Question: What is imprecatory prayer? Answer: First of all, let’s define imprecatory prayer. To imprecate means “to invoke evil upon or curse” one’s enemies. King David, the psalmist most associated with imprecatory verses such as Psalm 55:15, 69:28, 109:8, often used phrases like, “may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them” (Psalm 35:6) and “O God, break the teeth in their mouths; tear out the fangs of the young lions, O LORD!” (Psalm 58:6). Psalms 7, 35, 55, 58, 59, 69, 109, and 139 were written by David to ask God to bring judgment upon his enemies. (The other two imprecatory psalms, 79 and 137, were written by Asaph and an unknown psalmist.) These prayers were written not so much to exact revenge upon one’s enemies, but rather to emphasize God’s abhorrence of evil, His sovereignty over all mankind, and His divine protection of His chosen people. Many of these prayers were prophetic and could be seen taking place later in the New Testament in actual historical events. When David prayed for God to shatter the teeth of his enemies, likening them to young lions pursuing him to his death, he was making the point that God is holy, righteous, and just, and He will ultimately judge the wicked for the evil they do. Jesus quoted some of the imprecatory psalms during His earthly ministry. In John 15:25, Jesus quotes Psalm 35:19 and 69:4. Paul also quoted an imprecatory prayer in Romans 11:9–10, which is a quote of Psalm 69:22–23. Since Jesus and Paul quoted verses from these imprecatory psalms, it proves those psalms were inspired by God and counters any allegation that they were sinful or selfish prayers of revenge. Using imprecatory prayers from the Psalms today should only be done against our spiritual enemies (Ephesians 6:12). Praying imprecations on human foes is unjustifiable, as it would require taking these prayers out of context. In the New Testament, Jesus exhorts us to pray for our enemies (Matthew 5:44–48; Luke 6:27–38), but praying for their death or for bad things to happen to them isn’t what He meant. Instead, we are to pray for their salvation first and foremost, and then for God’s will to be done. There’s no greater blessing than a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and that’s what Jesus means by praying for and blessing those who curse us. Praying in that manner allows God to work in our own lives to soften our hearts toward our enemies so that we’ll have compassion on them for their eternal destiny, and to remove bitterness and anger from our hearts. Praying for God’s will to be done means we agree with God and are submitting ourselves to His divine sovereignty, despite not always understanding perfectly what He’s doing in a particular situation. And it means we have given up the idea that we know best and instead are now relying on and trusting in God to work His will. If a personal wrong has truly been done to us, we seek God in prayer about it, and then leave room for God’s judgment and trust Him to do what is best. That is the way to be at peace with God and all men (Romans 12:17-21). GotQuestions.org Numbers 16:16 Moses said to Korah, "You and all your company be present before the LORD tomorrow, both you and they along with Aaron. BGT Numbers 16:16 καὶ εἶπεν Μωυσῆς πρὸς Κορε ἁγίασον τὴν συναγωγήν σου καὶ γίνεσθε ἕτοιμοι ἔναντι κυρίου σὺ καὶ αὐτοὶ καὶ Ααρων αὔριον NET Numbers 16:16 Then Moses said to Korah, "You and all your company present yourselves before the LORD– you and they, and Aaron– tomorrow. NLT Numbers 16:16 And Moses said to Korah, "You and all your followers must come here tomorrow and present yourselves before the LORD. Aaron will also be here. ESV Numbers 16:16 And Moses said to Korah, "Be present, you and all your company, before the LORD, you and they, and Aaron, tomorrow. NIV Numbers 16:16 Moses said to Korah, "You and all your followers are to appear before the LORD tomorrow--you and they and Aaron. KJV Numbers 16:16 And Moses said unto Korah, Be thou and all thy company before the LORD, thou, and they, and Aaron, to morrow: YLT Numbers 16:16 And Moses saith unto Korah, 'Thou and all thy company, be ye before Jehovah, thou, and they, and Aaron, to-morrow; LXE Numbers 16:16 And Moses said to Core, Sanctify thy company, and be ready before the Lord, thou and Aaron and they, to-morrow. ASV Numbers 16:16 And Moses said unto Korah, Be thou and all thy company before Jehovah, thou, and they, and Aaron, to-morrow: Be thou: Nu 16:6,7 before: 1Sa 12:3,7 2Ti 2:14 Numbers 16 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries TOMORROW WILL BE THE CENSER TEST Moses said to Korah, "You and all your company be present before the LORD tomorrow, both you and they along with Aaron - Before the LORD is at the door of the tabernacle. The rebellion was against God and before God Moses would take his case. (Always a good rule to apply when unfairly or unjustly criticized!). Numbers 16:17 "Each of you take his firepan and put incense on it, and each of you bring his censer before the LORD, two hundred and fifty firepans; also you and Aaron shall each bring his firepan." BGT Numbers 16:17 καὶ λάβετε ἕκαστος τὸ πυρεῖον αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐπιθήσετε ἐπ᾽ αὐτὰ θυμίαμα καὶ προσάξετε ἔναντι κυρίου ἕκαστος τὸ πυρεῖον αὐτοῦ πεντήκοντα καὶ διακόσια πυρεῖα καὶ σὺ καὶ Ααρων ἕκαστος τὸ πυρεῖον αὐτοῦ NET Numbers 16:17 And each of you take his censer, put incense in it, and then each of you present his censer before the LORD: 250 censers, along with you, and Aaron– each of you with his censer." NLT Numbers 16:17 You and each of your 250 followers must prepare an incense burner and put incense on it, so you can all present them before the LORD. Aaron will also bring his incense burner." ESV Numbers 16:17 And let every one of you take his censer and put incense on it, and every one of you bring before the LORD his censer, 250 censers; you also, and Aaron, each his censer." NIV Numbers 16:17 Each man is to take his censer and put incense in it--250 censers in all--and present it before the LORD. You and Aaron are to present your censers also." KJV Numbers 16:17 And take every man his censer, and put incense in them, and bring ye before the LORD every man his censer, two hundred and fifty censers; thou also, and Aaron, each of you his censer. YLT Numbers 16:17 and take ye each his censer, and ye have put on them perfume, and brought near before Jehovah, each his censer, two hundred and fifty censers; and thou and Aaron, each his censer.' LXE Numbers 16:17 And take each man his censer, and ye shall put incense upon them, and shall bring each one his censer before the Lord, two hundred and fifty censers, and thou and Aaron shall bring each his censer. ASV Numbers 16:17 and take ye every man his censer, and put incense upon them, and bring ye before Jehovah every man his censer, two hundred and fifty censers; thou also, and Aaron, each his censer. 1Sa 12:7 Numbers 16 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE CONFRONTATION IS "HEATING UP!" This would prove to be a "test by fire." (Nu 16:29, 30, 35). Each of you take his firepan and put incense on it, and each of you bring his censer before the LORD, two hundred and fifty firepans; also you and Aaron shall each bring his firepan - Where they would have obtained 250 censers is uncertain, for Korah and the group did not themselves possess censers (which only belonged to the priests). The rationale for the "censer test" is that this was the duty of the true priesthood and others would offer it only at the risk of their own lives.
Números 16
Cole - You would think that after seeing God’s power in the plagues in Egypt, parting the Red Sea, and the fire and thunder on Mount Sinai, the Israelites would have respected God’s power, but they didn’t. This shows that even seeing powerful miracles is not enough evidence to convert sinners. The hearts of skeptics are so hardened that they can see miracles and rather than fall on their faces in the fear of God, they accuse God and His servants of cruelty....This story shows that the God we serve is not to be trifled with! If you say, “Well, this is the Old Testament; we’re under grace in the New Testament,” my reply is, “Remember Ananias and Sapphira!” They died instantly because of their hypocrisy with their financial gift. While thankfully that was a unique occurrence, the result of it was (Acts 5:11), “And great fear came over the whole church, and over all who heard of these things.” These stories are in the Bible so that great fear would come over us as we serve the Lord! Brian Bell - To rebel against Moses meant rejecting the Word of God, for he was God’s prophet; To rebel against Aaron meant rejecting the Work of God on the altar, salvation by blood. Only the grace of God can change the human heart; no amount of law or judgment will ever make the Bush - So fearful a judgment as they had just been called to witness would have been sufficient, one would suppose, to prevent the outbreak of any further murmurings or discontent. Yet how different the matter of fact! As the vessel, in its course through the deep, leaves a track of foam behind it which is a little while distinct and well defined, but soon mingles with the mass of waters and is seen no more, so was it with the judgment of heaven on this occasion, and the impression it created. It endured for the night, but discontent and rebellion came in the morning. With a unanimity that is amazing, “all the congregation”—not merely the rulers or a few intractable spirits—but the great mass of the people, gave way to groundless complaints. With tumultuous outcries and accusations, they press upon Moses and Aaron, charging them with the destruction of a multitude of their brethren, the peculiar people of the Lord; as if these atrocious transgressors had been good and holy people, and Moses and Aaron had been their persecutors. Alas, how will pride, passion, and self-will prevail to blind the understanding of men, so that they will call evil good, and good evil, and put darkness for light, and light for darkness. Especially does this hold among large bodies of men in times of public tumult. By saying, however, that they had killed them, their meaning doubtless was that they had been the means, the procuring cause, of their losing their lives, and not that they had directly slain them. Accordingly the Chald. renders, “ye have caused the death.” Rumblings Some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. —1 Corinthians 10:10 Today's Scripture: Numbers 16:41-50 How would you feel if today’s newspaper reported that the military had executed 15,000 people? Suppose the victims were not criminals, foreign agitators, or political radicals, but ordinary citizens who were protesting the way their country was being run. Such a possibility seems unthinkable. Yet in Numbers 16 we read that God responded like that to ancient Israel. He took the lives of 15,000 of His chosen people because they were complaining about the way He was caring for them. Not long after their miracle-filled deliverance from Egypt, they started dragging their feet. They didn’t like the trouble they were encountering on the way to the Promised Land. They murmured about their leaders, about what God was feeding them, and about the risk involved in moving into the land of Canaan. The people longed for “the good old days,” and their unbelief provoked the righteous indignation of God. The ones who of their lot complain Displease the Lord and cause Him pain; But thankful hearts are His delight, And they find favor in His sight. —Bosch Faith flourishes in the garden of gratitude. Numbers 16:42 It came about, however, when the congregation had assembled against Moses and Aaron, that they turned toward the tent of meeting, and behold, the cloud covered it and the glory of the LORD appeared. BGT Numbers 17:7 καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ ἐπισυστρέφεσθαι τὴν συναγωγὴν ἐπὶ Μωυσῆν καὶ Ααρων καὶ ὥρμησαν ἐπὶ τὴν σκηνὴν τοῦ μαρτυρίου καὶ τήνδε ἐκάλυψεν αὐτὴν ἡ νεφέλη καὶ ὤφθη ἡ δόξα κυρίου NET Numbers 16:42 When the community assembled against Moses and Aaron, they turned toward the tent of meeting– and the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared. NLT Numbers 16:42 As the community gathered to protest against Moses and Aaron, they turned toward the Tabernacle and saw that the cloud had covered it, and the glorious presence of the LORD appeared. ESV Numbers 16:42 And when the congregation had assembled against Moses and against Aaron, they turned toward the tent of meeting. And behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared. NIV Numbers 16:42 But when the assembly gathered in opposition to Moses and Aaron and turned toward the Tent of Meeting, suddenly the cloud covered it and the glory of the LORD appeared. KJV Numbers 16:42 And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared. YLT Numbers 16:42 And it cometh to pass, in the company being assembled against Moses and against Aaron, that they turn towards the tent of meeting, and lo, the cloud hath covered it, and the honour of Jehovah is seen; LXE Numbers 16:42 And it came to pass when the congregation combined against Moses and Aaron, that they ran impetuously to the tabernacle of witness; and the cloud covered it, and the glory of the Lord appeared. ASV Numbers 16:42 And it came to pass, when the congregation was assembled against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tent of meeting: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of Jehovah appeared. when the: Nu 16:19 the glory: Nu 16:19 14:10 20:6 Ex 16:7,10 24:16 40:34,35 Lev 9:23 Numbers 16 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries YAHWEH AGAIN STEPS INTO THE SCENE It came about, however, when the congregation had assembled against Moses and Aaron, that they turned toward the tent of meeting - They is probably Moses and Aaron for they had seen the LORD be their Protector before! and behold, the cloud covered it and the glory of the LORD appeared - Once again YAHWEH appears to rescue His persecuted saints whose lives were likely in danger in light of the accusations from the congregation. Behold (02009)(hinneh) is an interjection meaning behold, look, now; if. "It is used often and expresses strong feelings, surprise, hope, expectation, certainty, thus giving vividness depending on its surrounding context." (Baker) Hinneh generally directs our mind to the text, imploring the reader to give it special attention. In short, the Spirit is trying to arrest our attention! And so hinneh is used as an exclamation of vivid immediacy (e.g., read Ge 6:13)!
Números 16
Cole - Aaron was the high priest, standing between the Judge and death for the guilty sinners (Nu 16:48). Ironically, even though the people resented Aaron and his priestly role, his fulfilling his duty as the high priest saved their lives! As such, Aaron is a picture of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who made atonement for our sins even when we were His enemies (Ro 5:6-10+)! His example of loving us when we opposed Him should help us to love those who may treat us wrongly when we are serving Him (Eph. 5:2+). “With pitying eyes the Prince of Peace Beheld our helpless grief; He saw, and oh, amazing love, He ran to our relief.”