Numbers 16:7

and tomorrow you are to place fire and incense in them in the presence of the LORD. Then the man the LORD chooses will be the one who is holy. It is you sons of Levi who have taken too much upon yourselves!"

Study Bible

and tomorrow you are to place fire and incense in them in the presence of the LORD.
This phrase refers to the test that Moses proposed to Korah and his followers, who were challenging the leadership of Moses and Aaron. The use of fire and incense in censers was a priestly duty, signifying worship and intercession before God. The act of placing fire and incense is reminiscent of the duties of the priests as outlined in Leviticus 16:12-13, where Aaron is instructed to take a censer full of burning coals and incense to create a cloud of smoke, symbolizing the prayers of the people rising to God. The presence of the LORD indicates the sacredness of the act and the seriousness of the challenge. This test was to be conducted the next day, emphasizing the immediacy and urgency of resolving the rebellion.

Then the man the LORD chooses will be the one who is holy.
This statement underscores the belief that God alone has the authority to appoint His servants. The term "holy" here refers to being set apart for God's service. In the context of the Old Testament, holiness is often associated with being chosen by God for a specific purpose, as seen in the consecration of Aaron and his sons in Exodus 28:1. The selection by God is a recurring theme, as seen in the anointing of David in 1 Samuel 16:12-13, where God chooses based on His criteria, not human judgment. This phrase also foreshadows the New Testament concept of Jesus Christ as the chosen one, the ultimate High Priest, as described in Hebrews 5:4-5.

It is you sons of Levi who have taken too much upon yourselves!”
This rebuke is directed at the Levites, specifically Korah and his followers, who were overstepping their God-given roles. The Levites were set apart for service in the tabernacle, but only the descendants of Aaron were permitted to serve as priests (Numbers 3:10). By seeking the priesthood, Korah and his followers were challenging God's established order. This echoes the warning against pride and presumption found in Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." The phrase highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting the roles and responsibilities assigned by God, a principle that is reiterated in the New Testament in passages like 1 Corinthians 12:18, where Paul speaks of God arranging the members of the body, each with its own function.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness.

3. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the first high priest, appointed by God to serve in the tabernacle.

4. The Levites
A tribe set apart for religious duties, but not all were priests. Some, like Korah, sought more power.

5. The Tabernacle
The dwelling place of God among His people, where the priests performed their sacred duties.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Divine Order
God establishes specific roles and responsibilities within His community. Challenging this order can lead to dire consequences.

The Danger of Pride and Ambition
Korah's rebellion was rooted in pride and a desire for power. Believers must guard against similar temptations.

God's Sovereign Choice
The Lord chooses whom He wills for specific tasks. It is not for us to question His decisions but to trust and obey.

The Role of Humility in Leadership
Moses' response to Korah's challenge was one of humility and reliance on God to vindicate him. Leaders should emulate this attitude.

The Consequences of Rebellion
Korah's account serves as a warning that rebellion against God's appointed leaders is ultimately rebellion against God Himself.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Korah's rebellion challenge us to examine our own attitudes towards authority and leadership within the church?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our ambitions align with God's will rather than our own desires for power or recognition?

3. How does the concept of divine order in Numbers 16:7 relate to the structure and roles within the modern church?

4. What lessons can we learn from Moses' response to Korah's challenge that can be applied to conflicts within our own communities?

5. How can we discern when a challenge to authority is justified and when it is a rebellion against God's established order?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 28-29
These chapters describe the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, establishing the divine order that Korah challenged.

Leviticus 10
The account of Nadab and Abihu, who offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, parallels the rebellion of Korah and his followers.

1 Samuel 15
Saul's disobedience to God's command highlights the importance of following God's chosen leaders and His instructions.

Jude 1:11
Jude warns against those who follow the way of Cain, Balaam, and Korah, emphasizing the danger of rebellion against God's order.