Numbers 16:15
Numbers 16:15 in Multiple Translations
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.”
And Moses was very wroth, and said unto the LORD, Respect not thou their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them.
And Moses was very wroth, and said unto Jehovah, Respect not thou their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them.
Then Moses was very angry, and said to the Lord, Give no attention to their offering: not one of their asses have I taken, or done wrong to any of them.
Moses got really angry and said to the Lord, “Don't accept their offerings. I have never taken even a donkey from them or treated any of them badly.”
Then Moses waxed verie angry, and saide vnto the Lord, Looke not vnto their offring: I haue not taken so much as an asse from them, neither haue I hurt any of them.
And it is very displeasing to Moses, and he saith unto Jehovah, 'Turn not Thou unto their present; not one ass from them have I taken, nor have I afflicted one of them.'
Moses was very angry, and said to the LORD, “Don’t respect their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them, neither have I hurt one of them.”
And Moses was very wroth, and said to the LORD, Respect not thou their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them.
Moses therefore being very angry, raid to the Lord: Respect not their sacrifices: thou knowest that I have not taken of them so much as a young ass at any time, nor have injured any of them.
Then Moses/I became very angry. He/I said to Yahweh, “Do not accept the grain offerings that they have brought. I have not taken anything from them, not even one donkey, and I have never done anything wrong to them, so they have no reason to complain about me.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 16:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 16:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּ֤חַר
לְ/מֹשֶׁה֙
מְאֹ֔ד
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
אֶל
יְהוָ֔ה
אַל
תֵּ֖פֶן
אֶל
מִנְחָתָ֑/ם
לֹ֠א
חֲמ֨וֹר
אֶחָ֤ד
מֵ/הֶם֙
נָשָׂ֔אתִי
וְ/לֹ֥א
הֲרֵעֹ֖תִי
אֶת
אַחַ֥ד
מֵ/הֶֽם
וַ/יִּ֤חַר
chârâh
H2734
to be incensed
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לְ/מֹשֶׁה֙
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
Prep | N-proper
מְאֹ֔ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תֵּ֖פֶן
pânâh
H6437
Corner (Gate)
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מִנְחָתָ֑/ם
minchâh
H4503
offering
N-fs | Suff
לֹ֠א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
חֲמ֨וֹר
chămôwr
H2543
donkey
N-cs
אֶחָ֤ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
מֵ/הֶם֙
Prep | Suff
נָשָׂ֔אתִי
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
הֲרֵעֹ֖תִי
râʻaʻ
H7489
be evil
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אַחַ֥ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
מֵ/הֶֽם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 16:15
וַ/יִּ֤חַר
chârâh
H2734
"to be incensed"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To be incensed means to be very angry or furious, like a fire burning. It describes strong emotions like anger, zeal, or jealousy, and is used to express intense feelings in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to be hot, furious, burn, becomeangry, be kindled 1a) (Qal) to burn, kindle (anger) 1b) (Niphal) to be angry with, be incensed 1c) (Hiphil) to burn, kindle 1d) (Hithpael) to heat oneself in vexation
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: be angry, burn, be displeased, [idiom] earnestly, fret self, grieve, be (wax) hot, be incensed, kindle, [idiom] very, be wroth. See H8474 (תַּחָרָה). See also: Genesis 4:5; 1 Samuel 15:11; Psalms 18:8.
לְ/מֹשֶׁה֙
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
Prep | N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
מְאֹ֔ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תֵּ֖פֶן
pânâh
H6437
"Corner (Gate)"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.
Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)
Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מִנְחָתָ֑/ם
minchâh
H4503
"offering"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for offering refers to a gift or donation, often given to God as a sacrifice. In Leviticus 2:1, it describes a grain offering. It can also mean tribute or present.
Definition: : offering/sacrifice 1) gift, tribute, offering, present, oblation, sacrifice, meat offering 1a) gift, present 1b) tribute 1c) offering (to God) 1d) grain offering
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: gift, oblation, (meat) offering, present, sacrifice. See also: Genesis 4:3; Numbers 29:28; Psalms 20:4.
לֹ֠א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
חֲמ֨וֹר
chămôwr
H2543
"donkey"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for a male donkey, it is translated as he ass in the KJV Bible. The name comes from the animal's reddish-brown color.
Definition: (he) ass
Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: (he) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 6:4; Proverbs 26:3.
אֶחָ֤ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
מֵ/הֶם֙
""
Prep | Suff
נָשָׂ֔אתִי
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הֲרֵעֹ֖תִי
râʻaʻ
H7489
"be evil"
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
This word means to shatter or break something into pieces, making it useless or bad. It can also mean to afflict or displease someone.
Definition: 1) to be bad, be evil 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be displeasing 1a2) to be sad 1a3) to be injurious, be evil 1a4) to be wicked, be evil (ethically) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to do an injury or hurt 1b2) to do evil or wickedly 1b3) mischief (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 99 OT verses. KJV: afflict, associate selves (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), break (down, in pieces), [phrase] displease, (be, bring, do) evil (doer, entreat, man), show self friendly (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), do harm, (do) hurt, (behave self, deal) ill, [idiom] indeed, do mischief, punish, still, vex, (do) wicked (doer, -ly), be (deal, do) worse. See also: Genesis 19:7; Psalms 27:2; Psalms 2:9.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אַחַ֥ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
מֵ/הֶֽם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Numbers 16:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 16:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 16:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 16:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 16:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 16:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 16:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 16:15
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 16:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 16:15
- Sermons on Numbers 16:15
Context — Korah’s Rebellion
13Is 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?
14Moreover, 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!”
15Then 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.”
16And Moses said to Korah, “You and all your followers are to appear before the LORD tomorrow—you and they and Aaron. 17Each 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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 4:4–5 | while Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock. And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell. |
| 2 | 2 Corinthians 7:2 | Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. |
| 3 | 1 Thessalonians 2:10 | You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous, and blameless our conduct was among you who believed. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 12:3–4 | Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.” “You have not wronged us or oppressed us,” they replied, “nor have you taken anything from the hand of man.” |
| 5 | Isaiah 1:10–15 | Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah! “What good to Me is your multitude of sacrifices?” says the LORD. “I am full from the burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I take no delight in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. When you come to appear before Me, who has required this of you— this trampling of My courts? Bring your worthless offerings no more; your incense is detestable to Me— your New Moons, Sabbaths, and convocations. I cannot endure iniquity in a solemn assembly. I hate your New Moons and your appointed feasts. They have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. |
| 6 | Exodus 32:19 | As Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, he burned with anger and threw the tablets out of his hands, shattering them at the base of the mountain. |
| 7 | 2 Corinthians 1:12 | And this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God—not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of God. |
| 8 | Numbers 12:3 | Now Moses was a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth. |
| 9 | 2 Corinthians 12:14–17 | See, I am ready to come to you a third time, and I will not be a burden, because I am not seeking your possessions, but you. For children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. And for the sake of your souls, I will most gladly spend my money and myself. If I love you more, will you love me less? Be that as it may, I was not a burden to you; but crafty as I am, I caught you by trickery. Did I exploit you by anyone I sent you? |
| 10 | Ephesians 4:26 | “Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger, |
Numbers 16:15 Summary
In Numbers 16:15, Moses became very angry because the people were rebelling against him and against God. He told God not to accept the offerings of these rebellious people because he had done nothing wrong to them, which shows his integrity and trust in God. This situation teaches us about the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it's hard, and trusting in God's sovereignty and justice, as seen in Romans 12:19 and Psalm 37:5-6. Moses' response also highlights the value of a clear conscience and a heart that seeks to please God above all, as encouraged in Acts 24:16 and 2 Corinthians 1:12.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Moses become angry in Numbers 16:15?
Moses became angry because the people, led by Korah, were rebelling against his leadership and questioning God's appointment of him as their leader, as seen in the preceding verses, Numbers 16:13-14. This rebellion was not only against Moses but also against God, who had chosen Moses to lead His people.
What is the significance of Moses' statement about not taking a donkey from the people?
Moses' statement in Numbers 16:15 about not taking a donkey from the people is a declaration of his integrity and a rebuttal to the accusations of self-interest and oppression made against him, similar to the defense of his servant leader role seen in Numbers 12:3 and Exodus 18:13-27.
How does Moses' response reflect his relationship with God?
Moses' immediate response to God in Numbers 16:15, asking Him not to regard the offering of the rebellious people, demonstrates his close relationship with God and his dependence on Him for guidance and vindication, as seen in other instances like Exodus 32:11-14 and Numbers 14:13-20.
What can we learn from Moses' emotional response in this verse?
Moses' anger in Numbers 16:15 shows that even godly leaders can experience strong emotions, but it's how they respond to those emotions that matters, as seen in Ephesians 4:26-27 and Psalm 4:4, where we are taught to manage our anger and not let it lead to sin.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways we, like Moses, can stand up for our integrity and faith when faced with false accusations or rebellion?
- How can we, in our own lives, cultivate a close enough relationship with God to immediately turn to Him in times of crisis or emotional turmoil, as Moses did in this verse?
- In what ways might we be like Korah and the rebellious people, questioning God's appointed leaders or His sovereignty in our lives, and how can we correct this?
- What does Moses' statement about not taking anything from the people say about the importance of servant leadership and the heart of a true leader, as exemplified in Matthew 20:26-28?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 16:15
And Moses was very wroth,.... Or "it heated Moses exceedingly" (p); made him very angry, caused him to burn with wrath against them; even the speech they made, the words they uttered, not so much on
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 16:15
And Moses was very wroth, and said unto the LORD, Respect not thou their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them. Moses was very wroth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 16:15
Moses was very wroth, not so much for his own sake, for he had learnt to bear indignities, Numbers 12, as for God’ s sake, who was highly dishonoured, blasphemed, and provoked by these speeches and carriages, in which case he ought to be angry, as Christ was, . Respect not thou their offering, i.e. accept not their incense which they are now going to offer, but show some eminent dislike of it. He calls it their offering, though it was offered by Korah and his companions, because it was offered in the name and by the consent of all the conspirators, for the decision of the present controversy between them and Moses. Not one ass, i.e. not any thing of the smallest value, as an ass was; see neither have I injured them, nor used my power to defraud or oppress them, as I might have done; but, which is here implied, I have done them many good offices, but no hurt; therefore their crime is inexcusable, because without any cause or provocation on my part.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 16:15
Numbers 16:15 And Moses was very wroth, and said unto the LORD, Respect not thou their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them.Ver. 15. And Moses was very wroth.] Or, Very sore grieved. He might have said, as one once did, Felix essem si non imperitassem, Happy had I been if I had never been in place of authority. Egypt is said by Seneca to have been loquax et ingeniosa in contumeliam praefectorum provincia, in qua qui vitaverit culpam non effugit infamiam, A province apt to find fault with, and to speak hardly of their rulers, though never so innocent. These rebels had haply learned those Egyptian manners, by living so long amongst them. I have not taken one ass from them.] Moses was not of them that follow the administration of justice as a trade only, with an unquenchable and unconscionable desire of gain. This is but robbery with authority, and justifies the common resemblance of the courts of justice to the bush, where to while the sheep flees for defence in weather, he is sure to lose part of his fleece.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 16:15
(15) I have not taken one ass from them . . . —In answer to the accusation preferred against him in Numbers 16:13, Moses vindicates himself from the charge of oppression or extortion.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 16:15
Verse 15. Respect not thou their offering] There was no danger of this: they wished to set up a priesthood and a sacrifical system of their own; and God never has blessed, and never can bless, any scheme of salvation which is not of his own appointment. Man is ever supposing that he can mend his Maker's work, or that he can make one of his own that will do in its place.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 16:15
15. their offering] This refers, apparently, ‘to the sacrifice which every Israelite might offer for his household and may be compared with Genesis 4:4 f.… The writer is not thinking of any special priesthood, but simply takes it for granted that Yahwè, whose favour was always sought by sacrifice, will not accept the offering of rebels against just authority’ (Addis).
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 16:15
15. Moses was very wroth — Anger in the interest of truth and justice is a holy emotion which dwells in the bosom of God and of his Son. Psalms 7:11; Mark 3:5, note. Respect not — Accept not their offered incense.Genesis 4:4.
Sermons on Numbers 16:15
| Sermon | Description | |
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Doctrine of the Lamb - Part 1 by J. Sidlow Baxter | In this sermon, the speaker expresses hope for a positive change in the young people of America, as they are showing a desire for the Bible and the gospel. The speaker also emphasi |
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(Hebrews - Part 33): By Faith Enoch by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Enoch from the Bible and highlights five key lessons that can be learned from his life. The first lesson is that without faith, |
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Genesis #07 Ch. 4-5 by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, Chuck Missler discusses Genesis chapters four and five. He begins by reviewing highlights from Genesis 2 and 3, emphasizing the concept of Adam and Eve attempting t |
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Cain and Abel (The First Murder) - Part 2 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of choosing between two opposing paths in the last days. They highlight the contrast between the biblical view of reality and |
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The Lineage of Jesus by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of Sadhu Sundar Singh, a young boy who was desperate to encounter God. He threatened to take his own life if God did not reveal Himself |
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The Centrality of the Lamb - Part 1 by J. Sidlow Baxter | In the sermon transcripts, the preacher discusses the vision of John in the book of Revelation where he sees a scroll sealed with seven seals in the right hand of God. No one in he |
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(Through the Bible) Genesis 4-5 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the tendency of people to justify their actions and avoid taking responsibility for their mistakes. He emphasizes the importance of admitting |