Numbers 16:27

So they moved away from the dwellings of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. Meanwhile, Dathan and Abiram had come out and stood at the entrances to their tents with their wives and children and infants.

Study Bible

So they moved away from the dwellings of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.
This phrase refers to the Israelites obeying Moses' warning to distance themselves from the rebellious leaders Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. The context is a rebellion against Moses and Aaron's leadership, which is seen as a challenge to God's appointed order. The act of moving away signifies a separation from sin and rebellion, a theme echoed in other scriptures such as 2 Corinthians 6:17, which calls believers to separate from unrighteousness. The dwellings of these men were likely tents, as the Israelites were still in the wilderness, emphasizing the transient nature of their rebellion against God's eternal plan.

Meanwhile, Dathan and Abiram had come out and stood at the entrances to their tents
Dathan and Abiram's action of standing at the entrances of their tents can be seen as a defiant posture, symbolizing their open rebellion and lack of repentance. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the entrance of a tent or house was a place of significance, often used for judgment or important announcements. Their presence at the entrance indicates their readiness to confront Moses and their unwillingness to submit to God's authority. This defiance is reminiscent of other biblical figures who stood against God's chosen leaders, such as Saul's rebellion against David.

with their wives and children and infants.
The inclusion of their families highlights the communal aspect of sin and its consequences. In the ancient world, the actions of the head of a household often affected the entire family, as seen in the story of Achan in Joshua 7. This phrase underscores the seriousness of rebellion against God, as it not only impacts the individual but also those around them. It serves as a sobering reminder of the generational impact of sin and the importance of leading one's family in righteousness, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 6:6-7.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Dathan and Abiram
Reubenites who joined Korah in his rebellion, questioning Moses' leadership and God's chosen order.

3. The Dwellings
The tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, which became the focal point of God's impending judgment.

4. The Congregation
The Israelites who were instructed to distance themselves from the rebels to avoid sharing in their punishment.

5. The Rebellion
A significant event where Korah, Dathan, and Abiram opposed Moses, leading to divine judgment.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Rebellion
Rebellion against God’s appointed leaders is ultimately rebellion against God Himself. This passage serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of such actions.

The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites were instructed to separate themselves from the rebels, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's commands to avoid sharing in the judgment.

Leadership and Authority
God establishes leaders for His purposes. Challenging this divine order can lead to severe consequences, as seen in the fate of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.

Family and Influence
The presence of the families of Dathan and Abiram at the entrances of their tents illustrates how rebellion can affect entire households. Our actions and attitudes can have profound impacts on those closest to us.

God’s Justice and Mercy
While God’s judgment was severe, His instructions to the congregation to distance themselves show His mercy in providing a way of escape for those who obey.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from the actions of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram about the nature of rebellion against God’s appointed leaders?

2. How does the instruction for the Israelites to distance themselves from the rebels apply to our lives today in terms of separating from sinful influences?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our families are positively influenced by our faith and obedience to God?

4. How does the account of Korah’s rebellion help us understand the importance of respecting and submitting to spiritual authority?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a choice between following God’s commands and joining in with a rebellious attitude. What did you learn from that experience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 6:24
Provides background on Korah's lineage, establishing his Levitical heritage.

Jude 1:11
References Korah's rebellion as a warning against rejecting divine authority.

Psalm 106:16-18
Reflects on the rebellion and God's judgment, emphasizing the consequences of challenging God's appointed leaders.

1 Samuel 15:23
Highlights the sin of rebellion as akin to witchcraft, underscoring the gravity of Korah's actions.

Hebrews 13:17
Encourages believers to obey their leaders, contrasting the rebellious spirit of Korah and his followers.