They came together against Moses and Aaron and told them, "You have taken too much upon yourselves! For everyone in the entire congregation is holy, and the LORD is in their midst. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?" They came together against Moses and AaronThis phrase indicates a rebellion led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, along with 250 leaders of the community. This opposition highlights a significant challenge to the God-ordained leadership of Moses and Aaron. The gathering against them suggests a coordinated effort, reflecting a deep-seated discontent among certain factions within Israel. Historically, this rebellion occurs during the Israelites' wilderness journey, a time marked by frequent complaints and challenges to leadership ( Exodus 16:2, Numbers 14:2). and told them, “You have taken too much upon yourselves!
The accusation implies that Moses and Aaron have overstepped their roles, suggesting an abuse of power or authority. This reflects a misunderstanding or rejection of the divine appointment of Moses and Aaron as leaders. The phrase echoes the human tendency to resist divinely established authority, a theme seen throughout Scripture (Romans 13:1-2). For everyone in the entire congregation is holy,
This claim references the idea that all Israelites are set apart as God's chosen people (Exodus 19:6). However, it overlooks the specific roles and responsibilities assigned by God, particularly the unique priestly duties given to Aaron and his descendants. The assertion of universal holiness is a distortion of the covenant relationship, ignoring the structure God established for worship and leadership. and the LORD is in their midst.
This acknowledges God's presence among the Israelites, a truth evidenced by the tabernacle and the cloud of glory (Exodus 40:34-38). However, the rebels use this truth to justify their challenge, failing to recognize that God's presence does not negate the need for appointed leaders. The presence of the LORD is a central theme in Israel's journey, emphasizing both privilege and responsibility. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?”
The question challenges the perceived elevation of Moses and Aaron, accusing them of self-promotion. This reflects a misunderstanding of their roles as servants of God, chosen to lead and intercede for the people (Exodus 32:11-14). The accusation of self-exaltation is ironic, as it is the rebels who seek to elevate themselves. This mirrors the pride and rebellion seen in other biblical figures who resist God's order (Isaiah 14:12-15). Persons / Places / Events 1. KorahA Levite who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, questioning their leadership and authority. 2. Dathan and AbiramReubenites who joined Korah in his rebellion, challenging Moses' leadership. 3. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. 4. AaronMoses' brother and the appointed high priest, serving as a mediator between God and the Israelites. 5. The Congregation of IsraelThe assembly of the Israelites, who were influenced by Korah's rebellion. Teaching Points Understanding God-Ordained AuthorityGod establishes leaders for His purposes. Questioning or rebelling against them can be seen as questioning God's authority. The Danger of Pride and EnvyKorah's rebellion was rooted in pride and envy. Believers must guard their hearts against these sins, which can lead to division and destruction. The Importance of Humility and SubmissionMoses and Aaron's response to the rebellion was one of humility and reliance on God. Believers should emulate this attitude in times of conflict. Recognizing the Holiness of God’s CallingWhile all believers are called to be holy, God assigns specific roles and responsibilities. Respecting these roles is crucial for unity and order. Consequences of RebellionThe account of Korah serves as a warning of the severe consequences of rebelling against God's appointed leaders. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram challenge the concept of God-ordained leadership, and what can we learn from this about respecting authority in our own lives? 2. In what ways can pride and envy manifest in our communities today, and how can we guard against these attitudes? 3. How does Moses' response to the rebellion demonstrate humility, and how can we apply this in our interactions with others? 4. What does it mean to recognize and respect the specific roles and callings God has given to individuals within the church? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced a challenge to authority. How did you respond, and what biblical principles can guide you in similar situations in the future? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 19:6This verse speaks of Israel as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, which Korah and his followers misinterpret to justify their rebellion. 1 Samuel 15:23This verse highlights the sin of rebellion, equating it with divination and arrogance, which is relevant to Korah's actions. Jude 1:11This New Testament verse references Korah's rebellion as a warning against false teachers and those who reject authority. | Korah's Rebellion | W. Binnie | Numbers 16:1-3 | | The Rebellion of Korah. the Conspirators and Their Pretext | D. Young | Numbers 16:1-3 | | 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 |
People Aaron, Abiram, Dathan, Eleazar, Eliab, Israelites, Izhar, Kohath, Korah, Levi, Levites, Moses, Pallu, Peleth, Reuben, ReubenitesPlaces Wilderness of ParanTopics Aaron, Assembled, Assembly, Authority, Community, Company, Congregation, Exalt, Gathered, Holy, Lift, Lord's, Midst, Oppose, Overmuch, Raise, Seeing, Themselves, Wherefore, YourselvesDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 16:3 5072 Aaron, spokesman
5814 confrontation
8824 self-righteousness, nature of Numbers 16:1-3 5822 criticism, against believers
8410 decision-making, examples 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 Links Numbers 16:3 NIVNumbers 16:3 NLTNumbers 16:3 ESVNumbers 16:3 NASBNumbers 16:3 KJV
Numbers 16:3 Commentaries
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