Moreover, you have not 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!" Moreover, you have not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honeyThis phrase reflects the Israelites' disappointment and frustration with Moses' leadership. The "land flowing with milk and honey" is a reference to the Promised Land, Canaan, which God had promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ( Exodus 3:8). This description emphasizes the fertility and abundance of the land. The Israelites' complaint highlights their lack of faith and impatience, as they were still in the wilderness and had not yet entered Canaan due to their own disobedience and lack of trust in God's promises ( Numbers 14:22-23). or given us an inheritance of fields and vineyards
The expectation of receiving "fields and vineyards" underscores the Israelites' desire for a settled, prosperous life in the Promised Land. In ancient Near Eastern culture, land ownership was a sign of stability and blessing. The promise of an inheritance was significant, as it was tied to the covenant God made with the patriarchs (Genesis 15:18-21). The complaint here reflects a misunderstanding or impatience with God's timing and plan, as the journey to the Promised Land was delayed due to the Israelites' rebellion and lack of faith (Numbers 14:34). Will you gouge out the eyes of these men?
This rhetorical question is an expression of anger and accusation against Moses. It suggests that the leaders felt deceived or misled, as if Moses was trying to blind them to the truth. The phrase "gouge out the eyes" is a hyperbolic expression indicating severe mistreatment or deception. In the cultural context, sight was often associated with understanding and perception, so this accusation implies that Moses was trying to lead them astray or keep them in ignorance. No, we will not come!
This statement of defiance and refusal to obey Moses' summons is indicative of the rebellion led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses' authority (Numbers 16:1-3). It reflects a broader theme of rebellion and disobedience among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. This refusal to submit to God-appointed leadership is a recurring issue in the narrative of the Exodus and wilderness wanderings, highlighting the tension between divine authority and human resistance. The rebellion ultimately leads to severe consequences, as God reaffirms Moses' leadership and punishes the rebels (Numbers 16:31-35). Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. 2. KorahA Levite who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, questioning their leadership and authority. 3. Dathan and AbiramSons of Eliab, who joined Korah in his rebellion against Moses. 4. The Promised LandReferred to as a "land flowing with milk and honey," it symbolizes God's promise and blessing to the Israelites. 5. RebellionThe event where Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and others challenged Moses' leadership, leading to God's judgment. Teaching Points Trust in God's PromisesDespite circumstances, believers are called to trust in God's promises, as His plans are for our ultimate good. The Danger of RebellionRebellion against God-appointed leadership can lead to severe consequences. It's crucial to discern and respect God's order. The Importance of FaithFaith is essential in the journey with God. Lack of faith can lead to missed blessings and opportunities. Contentment and GratitudeInstead of focusing on unmet expectations, cultivate a heart of gratitude for God's provision and guidance. The Role of LeadershipGod appoints leaders for His purposes. Supporting and praying for them aligns with God's will. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the complaint of Dathan and Abiram reflect a lack of faith in God's promises? 2. In what ways can we guard against a rebellious spirit in our own lives? 3. How can we apply the lesson of trusting God's timing and provision in our current circumstances? 4. What are some practical ways to support and pray for our spiritual leaders today? 5. How does the account of Korah's rebellion serve as a warning for us in our walk with God? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 3:8God's promise to bring the Israelites to a land flowing with milk and honey, highlighting the contrast between God's promise and the rebels' complaint. Deuteronomy 1:26-28The Israelites' refusal to enter the Promised Land due to fear and lack of faith, paralleling the rebellion's lack of trust in God's plan. Hebrews 3:12-19A warning against unbelief and rebellion, using the Israelites' wilderness experience as an example. | Discontent a Rebellion Against God | J. Burroughs. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Elevated Character Exposed to Violence | T. Guthrie. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Envy and its Bitter Fruits | E.S. Prout | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Every Man in His Place | J. Parker, D. D. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Every Man Should Walk as He is Called of God | J. Spencer. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Fatal Discontent | J. Parker, D. D. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Korah | R. A. Hallam, D. D. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Korah, Dathan, and Abiram | J. C. Gray. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Korah, Dathan, and Abiram | Isaac Williams, B. D. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Korah, Dathan, and Abiram | Preacher's Analyst | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Korah, Dathan, and Abiram | Bp. Harvey Goodwin. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Korah, Dathan, and Abiram | C. Kingsley, M. A. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Leaders of Disaffection | C. H. Mackintosh. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Presumptuous Service | J. Parker, D. D. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Separation for Nearness to God | C. New. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | The Greater Our Means are to Prevent Sin | W. Attersoll. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | The Privileges of the Levites | Henry, Matthew | Numbers 16:1-35 | | The Resentment of Moses Against Sinners | | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Whatsoever Evil Men Do, They are Ready to Justify It | W. Attersoll. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Wicked Ambition Faith Fully Rebuked | W. Jones. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Korah's Rebellion | W. Binnie | Numbers 16:4-35 | | Dathan, Abiram, and Moses | D. Young | Numbers 16:12-15 |
People Aaron, Abiram, Dathan, Eleazar, Eliab, Israelites, Izhar, Kohath, Korah, Levi, Levites, Moses, Pallu, Peleth, Reuben, ReubenitesPlaces Wilderness of ParanTopics Field, Fields, Floweth, Flowing, Gouge, Hast, Haven't, Heritage, Honey, Indeed, Inheritance, Milk, Moreover, Pick, Vine-gardens, Vineyard, Vineyards, Wilt, Won't, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 16:14 5134 blindness, natural Numbers 16:1-35 5714 men Numbers 16:1-50 5550 speech, negative Numbers 16:8-33 7206 community Numbers 16:12-14 4404 food Numbers 16:13-14 5889 ingratitude 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 16:14 NIVNumbers 16:14 NLTNumbers 16:14 ESVNumbers 16:14 NASBNumbers 16:14 KJV
Numbers 16:14 Commentaries
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