The "250 Men of Israel" refers to a group of leaders who played a significant role in the rebellion against Moses and Aaron, as recorded in the Book of Numbers. This event is a pivotal moment in the wilderness journey of the Israelites, highlighting themes of authority, leadership, and divine judgment.

Biblical Account:

The account of the 250 men is found in Numbers 16. The rebellion is led by Korah, a Levite, along with Dathan and Abiram from the tribe of Reuben. These leaders, along with 250 other prominent community leaders, challenge the leadership of Moses and Aaron. They accuse them of exalting themselves above the assembly of the Lord, questioning their exclusive claim to leadership and priesthood.

Numbers 16:2-3 states: "And they rose up before Moses, with 250 men of the Israelites, leaders of the congregation, chosen from the assembly, men of renown. They came together against Moses and Aaron and told them, 'You have gone too far! All the congregation is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?'"

Significance:

The 250 men are described as "leaders of the congregation, chosen from the assembly, men of renown" (Numbers 16:2). This indicates that they were not ordinary members of the community but were respected and influential figures within the Israelite society. Their involvement in the rebellion underscores the widespread discontent and the challenge to Moses' and Aaron's divinely appointed leadership.

Divine Judgment:

In response to the rebellion, Moses proposes a test to determine whom the Lord has chosen. Each of the 250 men, along with Korah, is instructed to take a censer and present incense before the Lord. The outcome of this test is a dramatic demonstration of divine judgment.

Numbers 16:35 records the judgment: "And fire came forth from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense." This act of divine retribution serves as a powerful affirmation of Moses' and Aaron's leadership and a warning against rebellion against God's appointed leaders.

Aftermath:

Following the judgment, the censers of the 250 men are collected and hammered into sheets to overlay the altar, serving as a reminder to the Israelites of the consequences of rebellion. Numbers 16:38 states: "As for the censers of these men who sinned at the cost of their own lives, make them into hammered sheets to overlay the altar, for they presented them before the LORD, and they have become holy. They will be a sign to the Israelites."

The rebellion of the 250 men, along with Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, is a significant event in the narrative of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. It highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting divinely appointed leadership and serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and rebellion against God's established order.