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Home  › Bibles  › Berean Standard Bible  › Numbers 16

Numbers 16

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1 Now Korah son of Izhar, the son of Kohath son of Levi, along with some Reubenites—Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—conducted 2 a rebellion against Moses, along with 250 men of Israel renowned as leaders of the congregation and representatives in the assembly. 3 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?" 4 When Moses heard this, he fell facedown. 5 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. 6 You, Korah, and all your followers are to do as follows: Take censers, 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!" 8 Moses also said to Korah, “Now listen, you sons of Levi! 9 Is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel and brought you near to Himself to perform the work at the LORD’s tabernacle, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them? 10 He has brought you near, you and all your fellow Levites, but you are seeking the priesthood as well. 11 Therefore, it is you and all your followers who have conspired against the LORD! As for Aaron, who is he that you should grumble against him?" 12 Then Moses summoned Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, but they said, “We will not come! 13 Is it not enough that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the wilderness? Must you also appoint yourself as ruler over us? 14 Moreover, you have not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey or given us an inheritance of fields and vineyards. Will you gouge out the eyes of these men? No, we will not come!" 15 Then Moses became very angry and said to the LORD, “Do not regard their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them or mistreated a single one of them." 16 And Moses said to Korah, “You and all your followers are to appear before the LORD tomorrow—you and they and Aaron. 17 Each man is to take his censer, place incense in it, and present it before the LORD—250 censers. You and Aaron are to present your censers as well." 18 So each man took his censer, put fire and incense in it, and stood with Moses and Aaron at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. 19 When Korah had gathered his whole assembly against them at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the glory of the LORD appeared to the whole congregation. 20 And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 21 “Separate yourselves from this congregation so that I may consume them in an instant." 22 But Moses and Aaron fell facedown and said, “O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, when one man sins, will You be angry with the whole congregation?" 23 Then the LORD said to Moses, 24 “Tell the congregation to move away from the dwellings of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram." 25 So Moses got up and went to Dathan and Abiram, and the elders of Israel followed him. 26 And he warned the congregation, “Move away now from the tents of these wicked men. Do not touch anything that belongs to them, or you will be swept away because of all their sins." 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. 28 Then Moses said, “This is how you will know that the LORD has sent me to do all these things, for it was not my own doing: 29 If these men die a natural death, or if they suffer the fate of all men, then the LORD has not sent me. 30 But if the LORD brings about something unprecedented, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them and all that belongs to them so that they go down alive into Sheol, then you will know that these men have treated the LORD with contempt." 31 As soon as Moses had finished saying all this, the ground beneath them split open, 32 and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households—all Korah’s men and all their possessions. 33 They went down alive into Sheol with all they owned. The earth closed over them, and they vanished from the assembly. 34 At their cries, all the people of Israel who were around them fled, saying, “The earth may swallow us too!" 35 And fire came forth from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense. 36 Then the LORD said to Moses, 37 “Tell Eleazar son of Aaron the priest to remove the censers from the flames and to scatter the coals far away, because the censers are holy. 38 As for the censers of those who sinned at the cost of their own lives, hammer them into sheets to overlay the altar, for these were presented before the LORD, and so have become holy. They will serve as a sign to the Israelites." 39 So Eleazar the priest took the bronze censers brought by those who had been burned up, and he had them hammered out to overlay the altar, 40 just as the LORD commanded him through Moses. This was to be a reminder to the Israelites that no outsider who is not a descendant of Aaron should approach to offer incense before the LORD, lest he become like Korah and his followers. 41 The next day the whole congregation of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron, saying, “You have killed the LORD’s people!" 42 But when the congregation gathered against them, Moses and Aaron turned toward the Tent of Meeting, and suddenly the cloud covered it and the glory of the LORD appeared. 43 Then Moses and Aaron went to the front of the Tent of Meeting, 44 and the LORD said to Moses, 45 “Get away from this congregation so that I may consume them in an instant.” And Moses and Aaron fell facedown. 46 Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer, place fire from the altar in it, and add incense. Go quickly to the congregation and make atonement for them, because wrath has come out from the LORD; the plague has begun." 47 So Aaron took the censer as Moses had ordered and ran into the midst of the assembly. And seeing that the plague had begun among the people, he offered the incense and made atonement for the people. 48 He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague was halted. 49 But those who died from the plague numbered 14,700, in addition to those who had died on account of Korah. 50 Then Aaron returned to Moses at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, since the plague had been halted.

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Study Notes — Numbers 16

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Chapter Summary

Numbers 16 begins with the story of Korah, a Levite, who along with Dathan and Abiram from the tribe of Reuben, and 250 leaders from the community, rebelled against Moses and Aaron, questioning their authority and God's choice of them as leaders. Moses, in response, called the rebels to appear before the Lord the next day, and in a dramatic display of God's power and judgment, the earth swallowed up Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, and fire consumed the 250 leaders. The chapter also records the aftermath of this event, including the people's fear and the Lord's instruction to Moses to have the leaders of the tribes place their staffs before the ark, with Aaron's staff budding as a sign of God's choice of him and his family as priests. The chapter concludes with the people's complaint and the Lord's judgment, which was only stopped by the intercession of Moses and Aaron.

Context for the Chapter

Numbers 16 is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, which serves as a backdrop for the themes of rebellion, authority, and redemption. The chapter follows the events of Numbers 15, which discussed the laws of sacrifice and the punishment for disobedience, and precedes Numbers 17, which records the budding of Aaron's staff and the establishment of the priesthood. The chapter is also part of the broader biblical narrative, which explores the themes of God's sovereignty, human rebellion, and redemption through Jesus Christ.

Heart Application

As we reflect on Numbers 16, we are reminded of the importance of submitting to God's authority and appointed leaders. We must recognize the danger of rebellion and the consequences of disobeying God's commands. Instead, we should strive to cultivate a heart of obedience and humility, recognizing God's sovereign choice and authority in our lives.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Numbers 16 tells the story of a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, which ultimately reflects a deeper rebellion against God. The chapter highlights the consequences of such rebellion and the importance of submitting to God's appointed leaders. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of humility and obedience in our own lives, and the dangers of resisting God's authority. (Numbers 16:1-3, 5)

Voices from the Church

“The rebellion of Korah and his company is a solemn warning to all who would resist the authority of God's appointed leaders, and a reminder of the importance of humility and obedience in the Christian life.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The story of Korah and his company serves as a reminder of the dangers of pride and ambition, and the importance of recognizing and submitting to God's sovereign authority in our lives.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. The Rebellion of Korah (Numbers 16:1-3) — The chapter begins with the story of Korah, a Levite, who along with Dathan and Abiram from the tribe of Reuben, and 250 leaders from the community, rebelled against Moses and Aaron, questioning their authority and God's choice of them as leaders.
  2. Moses' Response to the Rebellion (Numbers 16:4-7) — Moses, in response to the rebellion, called the rebels to appear before the Lord the next day, and reminded them of their role as leaders and the authority that God had given them.
  3. The Judgment of the Rebels (Numbers 16:8-35) — In a dramatic display of God's power and judgment, the earth swallowed up Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, and fire consumed the 250 leaders, serving as a reminder of God's authority and the consequences of rebellion.
  4. The Aftermath of the Judgment (Numbers 16:36-50) — The chapter records the aftermath of the judgment, including the people's fear and the Lord's instruction to Moses to have the leaders of the tribes place their staffs before the ark, with Aaron's staff budding as a sign of God's choice of him and his family as priests.
  5. Conclusion and Application (Numbers 16:51-50) — The chapter concludes with a reminder of the importance of submitting to God's appointed leaders and authority, and the consequences of rebellion against Him.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God
Numbers 16 underscores God's sovereign choice of leaders and the importance of recognizing and submitting to His authority, as seen in the budding of Aaron's staff.
The Importance of Submission
The chapter emphasizes the importance of submitting to God's appointed leaders and authority, highlighting the consequences of rebellion and the benefits of obedience.
The Role of the Priesthood
The chapter discusses the role of the priesthood, specifically the family of Aaron, and God's choice of them to serve as mediators between God and the people.
The Consequences of Rebellion
The chapter records the consequences of rebellion against God's appointed leaders, including the judgment of the rebels and the fear of the people.

Lessons from Numbers 16

  1. The Importance of Submission — The chapter emphasizes the importance of submitting to God's appointed leaders and authority, highlighting the consequences of rebellion and the benefits of obedience.
  2. The Dangers of Pride and Ambition — The story of Korah and his company serves as a reminder of the dangers of pride and ambition, and the importance of recognizing and submitting to God's sovereign authority in our lives.
  3. The Role of the Priesthood — The chapter discusses the role of the priesthood, specifically the family of Aaron, and God's choice of them to serve as mediators between God and the people.
  4. The Consequences of Rebellion — The chapter records the consequences of rebellion against God's appointed leaders, including the judgment of the rebels and the fear of the people.
  5. The Importance of Humility and Obedience — The chapter underscores the importance of humility and obedience in the Christian life, and the dangers of resisting God's authority and appointed leaders.

Themes from Numbers 16

  1. Rebellion and Authority — The chapter explores the themes of rebellion and authority, highlighting the consequences of rebelling against God's appointed leaders and the importance of submitting to His authority.
  2. Submission and Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of submitting to God's appointed leaders and authority, highlighting the benefits of obedience and the consequences of rebellion.
  3. The Role of the Priesthood — The chapter discusses the role of the priesthood, specifically the family of Aaron, and God's choice of them to serve as mediators between God and the people.
  4. The Consequences of Rebellion — The chapter records the consequences of rebellion against God's appointed leaders, including the judgment of the rebels and the fear of the people.
  5. The Importance of Humility and Obedience — The chapter underscores the importance of humility and obedience in the Christian life, and the dangers of resisting God's authority and appointed leaders.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What are some ways that we can rebel against God's authority in our own lives, and what are the consequences of such rebellion?
  2. How can we cultivate a heart of obedience and humility, recognizing God's sovereign choice and authority in our lives?
  3. What are some ways that we can submit to God's appointed leaders and authority, and what are the benefits of doing so?
  4. How can we balance the importance of submission with the need to question and challenge authority when necessary?
  5. What are some ways that we can apply the lessons of Numbers 16 to our own lives and relationships, and what are the potential consequences of not doing so?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The Rebellion of Korah (Numbers 16:1-3)

16:1 The chapter begins with the story of Korah, a Levite, who along with Dathan and Abiram from the tribe of Reuben, and 250 leaders from the community, rebelled against Moses and Aaron, questioning their authority and God's choice of them as leaders.
16:2 The rebels gathered against Moses and Aaron, saying, "You have gone too far! The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the Lord is with them. Why then do you set yourselves above the Lord's assembly?"

2. Moses' Response to the Rebellion (Numbers 16:4-7)

16:4 When Moses heard this, he fell facedown, and he said to Korah and all his company, "Tomorrow morning the Lord will show who belongs to Him and who is holy, and He will bring that person near to Him. The one whom He chooses He will bring near to Him."
16:5 Then he said to Korah and all his company, "Tomorrow morning the Lord will show who belongs to Him and who is holy, and He will bring that person near to Him. The one whom He chooses He will bring near to Him."

3. The Judgment of the Rebels (Numbers 16:8-35)

16:8 Moses also said to Korah, "Now, sons of Levi, listen to me: Is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the rest of the Israelite community and brought you near to Himself to do the work of the tabernacle of the Lord, to stand before the community and serve as a mediator for them?"
16:31 As soon as he finished speaking all these words, the ground under them split apart, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, and all the men who belonged to Korah and all their goods.

4. The Aftermath of the Judgment (Numbers 16:36-50)

16:36 The Lord said to Moses, "Tell Eleazar son of Aaron, the priest, to remove the censers from the charred remains and scatter the coals of the censers somewhere else, for they are holy."
16:46 Then Moses said to Aaron, "Take your censer and put incense in it, along with burning coals from the altar, and hurry to the assembly to make atonement for them. Wrath has come out from the Lord; the plague has started."

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the main issue that led to the rebellion in Numbers 16?

The main issue that led to the rebellion in Numbers 16 was the questioning of Moses and Aaron's authority, and the challenge to God's choice of them as leaders. (Numbers 16:1-3)

What was the consequence of the rebellion in Numbers 16?

The consequence of the rebellion in Numbers 16 was the judgment of the rebels, including the earth swallowing up Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, and fire consuming the 250 leaders. (Numbers 16:31-35)

What is the significance of the budding of Aaron's staff in Numbers 16?

The budding of Aaron's staff is significant because it serves as a sign of God's choice of him and his family as priests, and underscores the importance of submitting to God's appointed leaders and authority. (Numbers 16:5, 8-10)

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Numbers 16:1 → Exodus 4:14 The rebellion of Korah and his company is similar to the rebellion of Miriam and Aaron against Moses in Exodus 4:14, highlighting the theme of authority and submission.
2 Numbers 16:5 → Hebrews 5:4 The budding of Aaron's staff, symbolizing God's choice of him and his family as priests, prefigures the ultimate high priest, Jesus Christ, who was chosen by God to mediate between God and humanity.
3 Numbers 16:31 → Psalm 106:17 The earth swallowing up Korah, Dathan, and Abiram is reminiscent of the judgment of the wicked in Psalm 106:17, highlighting the theme of God's justice and judgment.
4 Numbers 16:46 → Leviticus 10:1-2 The incident of the plague in Numbers 16:46 is similar to the incident of Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10:1-2, highlighting the importance of following God's instructions and submitting to His authority.
5 Numbers 16:1-3 → 1 Corinthians 10:10 The rebellion of Korah and his company is cited in 1 Corinthians 10:10 as an example of the dangers of complaining and rebelling against God's appointed leaders.
6 Numbers 16:5 → John 15:16 The theme of God's sovereign choice, as seen in the budding of Aaron's staff, is echoed in John 15:16, where Jesus says, "You did not choose me, but I chose you."
7 Numbers 16:31 → Isaiah 24:19-20 The earth swallowing up Korah, Dathan, and Abiram is reminiscent of the judgment of the wicked in Isaiah 24:19-20, highlighting the theme of God's justice and judgment.
8 Numbers 16:46 → 2 Samuel 24:1 The incident of the plague in Numbers 16:46 is similar to the incident of the plague in 2 Samuel 24:1, highlighting the importance of following God's instructions and submitting to His authority.
9 Numbers 16:1-3 → Jude 1:11 The rebellion of Korah and his company is cited in Jude 1:11 as an example of the dangers of rebelling against God's appointed leaders and authority.
10 Numbers 16:5 → Hebrews 7:24-25 The theme of God's sovereign choice, as seen in the budding of Aaron's staff, is echoed in Hebrews 7:24-25, where Jesus is described as the ultimate high priest, chosen by God to mediate between God and humanity.

Sermons on Numbers 16

SermonDescription
A.W. Tozer (1 Peter - Part 33): Humble Yourselves Under the Mighty Hand of God by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Christians being diligent and teachable in their spiritual journey. He shares his own humbling experience of forgetting spi
David Wilkerson Staying Sweet in Spite of Being Hurt by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of Christians becoming bitter and cold instead of staying sweet in spite of being hurt. The speaker emphasizes that even though soci
David Wilkerson The Last Hinderance to Revival by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of walking in the Spirit and not being self-righteous complainers or gossipers. He refers to Jesus' announcement of a new wor
Major Ian Thomas A Day to Be Remembered by Major Ian Thomas In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of allowing God to take over and lead us into a new chapter in our lives. He encourages the audience to desire to leave behin
C.H. Spurgeon The Saint's Horror at the Sinner's Hell by C.H. Spurgeon In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the gathering of sinners and the consequences they face. He uses the example of the rebellion of Korah and his followers, who were
James A. Stewart The Vessels That God Uses by James A. Stewart In this sermon, the preacher shares a dream he had about attending two different church services. One church advertised that the archangel Gabriel would be preaching, while the oth
Alan Martin Lessons Learned From Korah's Rebellion by Alan Martin In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of repentance and understanding the wrath of God. He refers to a story in Numbers where the earth opens up and swallows rebellio
Russell Kelfer God's Truth: Rebellion and Patriotism by Russell Kelfer In this sermon, the speaker discusses five qualities that are best developed in a nation during times of struggle: submission, goodness, respect, commitment, and prayer. He emphasi
Dennis Kinlaw Grace That Endures by Dennis Kinlaw In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of hallowing God's name and glorifying Him above all else. He shares his struggle in deciding what to speak about and highligh
Robert Wurtz II The Dangers of Irreverence Before God by Robert Wurtz II In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God with reverence and fear. He criticizes a fellow preacher for not preaching God strongly enough a

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Numbers 16

In Numbers 16, we see a solemn warning against the dangers of pride and ambition, and the importance of recognizing and submitting to God's sovereign authority in our lives. The rebellion of Korah and his company serves as a reminder of the consequences of rebelling against God's appointed leaders, and the importance of humility and obedience in the Christian life. The budding of Aaron's staff, symbolizing God's choice of him and his family as priests, underscores the theme of God's sovereign choice and the importance of submitting to His authority. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating a heart of obedience and humility, and the dangers of resisting God's authority and appointed leaders. (Numbers 16:1-3, 5, 31) Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

Pattern of Rebellion

The chapter highlights a pattern of rebellion against God's appointed leaders, which ultimately reflects a deeper rebellion against God Himself. This pattern is seen throughout the biblical narrative, from the garden to the present day.

Importance of Submission

The chapter emphasizes the importance of submitting to God's appointed leaders and authority, highlighting the consequences of rebellion and the benefits of obedience.

God's Sovereign Choice

The chapter underscores God's sovereign choice of leaders and the importance of recognizing and submitting to His authority, as seen in the budding of Aaron's staff.

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