Then he said to Korah and all his followers, "Tomorrow morning the LORD will reveal who belongs to Him and who is holy, and He will bring that person near to Himself. The one He chooses, He will bring near to Himself. Then he said to Korah and all his followersMoses addresses Korah and his followers, who are challenging the leadership and priesthood established by God. This rebellion is significant as it represents a direct challenge to God's appointed order. Korah, a Levite, sought the priesthood, which was reserved for Aaron and his descendants. This reflects a broader theme of rebellion against divine authority, seen throughout Scripture, such as in the rebellion of Satan and the fall of man in Genesis 3. Tomorrow morning the LORD will reveal who belongs to Him and who is holy
The timing of "tomorrow morning" indicates a period of waiting and reflection, allowing the rebels to consider their actions. The phrase "the LORD will reveal" underscores God's sovereignty and His role as the ultimate judge. The concept of holiness is central, as it denotes being set apart for God's purposes. This echoes the separation of Israel as God's chosen people (Exodus 19:5-6) and foreshadows the New Testament teaching of the Church as a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9). and He will bring that person near to Himself
This phrase highlights the privilege of being in God's presence, a theme prevalent in the Old Testament, where only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies once a year (Leviticus 16). It points to the intimacy and favor associated with being chosen by God. This anticipates the New Covenant, where believers are brought near to God through Christ (Ephesians 2:13). The one He chooses He will bring near to Himself
God's choice is based on His divine will and purpose, not human merit. This principle is seen in God's selection of David over his brothers (1 Samuel 16:7) and is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing God's sovereignty in election. It also prefigures Christ, the chosen one, who brings believers near to God through His sacrificial death and resurrection (John 15:16, Hebrews 10:19-22). Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. 2. KorahA Levite who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, questioning their leadership and authority. 3. Followers of KorahA group of 250 community leaders who joined Korah in his rebellion against Moses and Aaron. 4. The LORD (Yahweh)The God of Israel, who will demonstrate His choice and authority in this situation. 5. The TabernacleThe dwelling place of God among His people, where His presence was made known. Teaching Points Divine Authority and OrderGod establishes leaders and authority according to His divine will. Rebellion against God-appointed leadership is ultimately rebellion against God Himself. Holiness and Proximity to GodHoliness is a prerequisite for drawing near to God. God chooses those who are set apart for His purposes, emphasizing the importance of living a holy life. God's Sovereign ChoiceGod’s choice is based on His wisdom and knowledge, not human criteria. Trust in God’s decisions and His ability to see beyond outward appearances. The Danger of Pride and RebellionKorah’s rebellion serves as a warning against pride and the desire for power. Humility and submission to God’s will are crucial for spiritual health. The Assurance of God’s PresenceGod’s promise to bring near those He chooses assures believers of His presence and guidance. Seek to live in a way that aligns with God’s calling and purpose. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the rebellion of Korah challenge the authority that God established through Moses and Aaron, and what can we learn about respecting God-appointed leadership? 2. In what ways does the concept of holiness in Numbers 16:5 relate to our personal walk with God today? 3. How can we discern God’s choice and calling in our own lives, and what steps can we take to align ourselves with His will? 4. Reflect on a time when pride or rebellion affected your relationship with God or others. How can the account of Korah serve as a warning or lesson? 5. How does the assurance of God’s presence and His choice of who is holy encourage you in your daily spiritual journey? What scriptures can you connect to this assurance? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 28:1This verse describes the calling of Aaron and his sons to serve as priests, establishing the divine authority and order that Korah challenged. Leviticus 10:3This verse emphasizes the holiness required of those who approach God, relevant to the theme of God choosing who is holy. 1 Samuel 16:7This verse highlights God's ability to see the heart, connecting to His choice of who is truly holy and belongs to Him. 2 Timothy 2:19This verse affirms that the Lord knows those who are His, echoing the theme of divine selection and holiness. | 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 | | The Reply of Moses to Korah | D. Young | Numbers 16:4-11 | | Korah's Rebellion | W. Binnie | Numbers 16:4-35 |
People Aaron, Abiram, Dathan, Eleazar, Eliab, Israelites, Izhar, Kohath, Korah, Levi, Levites, Moses, Pallu, Peleth, Reuben, ReubenitesPlaces Wilderness of ParanTopics Band, Belongs, Bring, Bringeth, Cause, Caused, Choose, Chooses, Chosen, Clear, Company, Fix, Followers, Holy, Korah, Morning, Morrow, Saying, Selection, Spake, Speaketh, Spoke, Tomorrow, To-morrowDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 16:5 1020 God, all-knowing
4954 morning 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 16:5 NIVNumbers 16:5 NLTNumbers 16:5 ESVNumbers 16:5 NASBNumbers 16:5 KJV
Numbers 16:5 Commentaries
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