Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, New Living Translation and the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, English Standard Version And the LORD spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, Berean Standard Bible And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, King James Bible And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, New King James Version And the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, New American Standard Bible Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, NASB 1995 Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, NASB 1977 Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, Legacy Standard Bible Then Yahweh spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, Amplified Bible Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, Christian Standard Bible The LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, Holman Christian Standard Bible The LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, “ American Standard Version And Jehovah spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, Contemporary English Version and said to Moses and Aaron, English Revised Version And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, GOD'S WORD® Translation The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, Good News Translation and the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, International Standard Version Then the LORD told Moses and Aaron, NET Bible The LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron: New Heart English Bible The LORD spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, Webster's Bible Translation And the LORD spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, World English Bible Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd YHWH speaks to Moses and to Aaron, saying, Young's Literal Translation And Jehovah speaketh unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, Smith's Literal Translation And Jehovah will speak to Moses, and to Aaron, saying, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the Lord speaking to Moses and Aaron, said: Catholic Public Domain Version And the Lord, speaking to Moses and Aaron, said: New American Bible and the LORD said to Moses and Aaron: New Revised Standard Version Then the LORD spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying: Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the LORD spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And LORD JEHOVAH spoke with Moshe and with Ahron and said to them: OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the LORD spoke unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying: Brenton Septuagint Translation And the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Korah's Rebellion…19When 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. 20And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 21“Separate yourselves from this congregation so that I may consume them in an instant.”… Cross References Exodus 32:10 Now leave Me alone, so that My anger may burn against them and consume them. Then I will make you into a great nation.” Deuteronomy 9:14 Leave Me alone, so that I may destroy them and blot out their name from under heaven. Then I will make you into a nation mightier and greater than they are.” Psalm 106:23 So He said He would destroy them—had not Moses His chosen one stood before Him in the breach to divert His wrath from destroying them. Ezekiel 22:30-31 I searched for a man among them to repair the wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, so that I should not destroy it. But I found no one. / So I have poured out My indignation upon them and consumed them with the fire of My fury. I have brought their ways down upon their own heads, declares the Lord GOD.” Genesis 18:23-33 Abraham stepped forward and said, “Will You really sweep away the righteous with the wicked? / What if there are fifty righteous ones in the city? Will You really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous ones who are there? / Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?” ... Exodus 32:11-14 But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God, saying, “O LORD, why does Your anger burn against Your people, whom You brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? / Why should the Egyptians declare, ‘He brought them out with evil intent, to kill them in the mountains and wipe them from the face of the earth’? Turn from Your fierce anger and relent from doing harm to Your people. / Remember Your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, to whom You swore by Your very self when You declared, ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give your descendants all this land that I have promised, and it shall be their inheritance forever.’” ... Deuteronomy 9:19 For I was afraid of the anger and wrath that the LORD had directed against you, enough to destroy you. But the LORD listened to me this time as well. 1 Samuel 12:23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you. And I will continue to teach you the good and right way. Jeremiah 15:1 Then the LORD said to me: “Even if Moses and Samuel should stand before Me, My heart would not go out to this people. Send them from My presence, and let them go! Amos 7:2-6 And when the locusts had eaten every green plant in the land, I said, “Lord GOD, please forgive! How will Jacob survive, since he is so small?” / So the LORD relented from this plan. “It will not happen,” He said. / This is what the Lord GOD showed me: The Lord GOD was calling for judgment by fire. It consumed the great deep and devoured the land. ... 1 Kings 18:36-37 At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and said, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and have done all these things at Your command. / Answer me, O LORD! Answer me, so that this people will know that You, the LORD, are God, and that You have turned their hearts back again.” 2 Chronicles 30:18-20 A large number of the people—many from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun—had not purified themselves, yet they ate the Passover, contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah interceded for them, saying, “May the LORD, who is good, provide atonement for everyone / who sets his heart on seeking God—the LORD, the God of his fathers—even if he is not cleansed according to the purification rules of the sanctuary.” / And the LORD heard Hezekiah and healed the people. Isaiah 53:12 Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors. Romans 8:34 Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us. Hebrews 7:25 Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them. Treasury of Scripture And the LORD spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, Jump to Previous Aaron Moses SpeakethJump to Next Aaron Moses SpeakethNumbers 16 1. The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram23. Moses separates the people from the rebels' tents 31. The earth swallows up Korah, and a fire consumes others 36. The censers are reserved to holy use 41. 14,700 are slain by a plague, for murmuring against Moses and Aaron 46. Aaron by incense stays the plague And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, This phrase indicates direct communication from God, emphasizing His active role in guiding the Israelites. The use of "LORD" in all caps signifies the Hebrew name Yahweh, highlighting God's covenant relationship with Israel. This divine communication underscores the authority and leadership of Moses and Aaron, chosen by God to lead His people. In the context of Numbers 16, this follows the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, who challenged the leadership of Moses and Aaron. This rebellion is a significant event, illustrating the consequences of opposing God's appointed leaders. The phrase also connects to other instances where God speaks directly to His prophets, such as in Exodus 3:4 with Moses at the burning bush, reinforcing the theme of divine guidance and authority. This moment foreshadows the ultimate leadership and mediation of Jesus Christ, who is the final and perfect mediator between God and humanity, as seen in 1 Timothy 2:5. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who speaks directly to Moses and Aaron in this passage, demonstrating His authority and involvement in the affairs of His people. 2. Moses The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and guide them through the wilderness. Moses serves as a mediator between God and the people. 3. Aaron The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He assists Moses in leading the people and performing priestly duties. 4. Korah's Rebellion The context of this verse is the rebellion led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. This event highlights issues of authority and God's chosen leadership. 5. The Israelite Community The larger group of Israelites who are witnessing the rebellion and the subsequent divine response. Their reaction and involvement are crucial to understanding the communal dynamics at play. Teaching Points Divine Authority and LeadershipGod establishes leaders for His people, and challenging this authority is ultimately a challenge against God Himself. The Role of Intercession Moses and Aaron often intercede for the people, demonstrating the importance of prayer and mediation in leadership. The Consequences of Rebellion Rebellion against God's appointed leaders leads to severe consequences, emphasizing the need for submission to God's will. God's Holiness and Justice God's response to rebellion underscores His holiness and justice, reminding believers of the seriousness of sin. Community Responsibility The Israelite community's involvement in the rebellion highlights the collective responsibility of God's people to uphold His commands. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 16:20?2. How does Numbers 16:20 demonstrate God's response to rebellion against His authority? 3. What can we learn about God's holiness from Numbers 16:20? 4. How does Numbers 16:20 connect with Romans 13:1 on respecting authority? 5. How should we respond to leadership challenges in light of Numbers 16:20? 6. What actions can we take to align with God's will as shown here? 7. Why did God choose to speak to Moses and Aaron in Numbers 16:20? 8. What does Numbers 16:20 reveal about God's authority and leadership? 9. How does Numbers 16:20 challenge our understanding of divine communication? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 16? 11. Numbers 20:12 - Why would a single act of disobedience prevent Moses and Aaron from entering the Promised Land, despite their lifelong dedication? 12. Why does God's response in Numbers 16:44-45 seem inconsistent with His mercy in other parts of the Bible? 13. Numbers 27:12-14: Why is Moses barred from entering the Promised Land for striking the rock, which seems like a minor offense? 14. Why does Deuteronomy 10:6-7 place Aaron's death at Moserah when Numbers 20:27-28 records it occurred on Mount Hor? What Does Numbers 16:20 Mean And– The word “And” links this verse to the ongoing narrative of Korah’s rebellion (Numbers 16:1-19). – It reminds us that God’s dealings with His people are often a continuing conversation, not isolated events. Compare the flow between Exodus 32:7 and 33:1, where the Lord’s words build on one another in response to Israel’s actions. – This connective keeps us attentive: what God says next is inseparable from what has just happened. the LORD – “The LORD” (YHWH) is the covenant name revealed in Exodus 3:14-15; His unchanging character anchors everything that follows. – By using His personal name here, Scripture stresses that the upcoming instruction carries supreme authority (Psalm 115:3; Malachi 3:6). – In Numbers 12:5-8 the same LORD defended Moses’ leadership; now He intervenes again, underscoring His consistent guardianship over His servants. said – God speaks—He is not silent. From Genesis 1:3 (“And God said…”) to Revelation 22:20, divine speech shapes history. – His words are never idle (Isaiah 55:10-11). When rebellion arises, the Lord’s response is verbal revelation before visible judgment. – This pattern recurs in passages like 1 Samuel 15:10-11, where God addresses Samuel ahead of Saul’s rejection. to Moses – Moses remains God’s chosen mediator (Exodus 33:11). Even amid challenge, the Lord does not bypass him. – This underscores Numbers 12:7-8, where Moses is called faithful “in all My house.” – By speaking first to Moses, God validates Moses’ role and reassures the congregation that leadership is divinely appointed, not self-assumed. and Aaron – Aaron shares in the revelation because he carries priestly responsibility for the people (Exodus 28:1). – God’s instruction to both brothers mirrors earlier moments, such as Leviticus 10:8, where He spoke directly to Aaron regarding holiness in worship. – Including Aaron signals that priest and prophet must stand united; rebellion threatened both spheres, so divine counsel addresses both offices. summary Numbers 16:20 shows the faithful continuity of God’s personal, authoritative, spoken involvement with His people. Linking back to the rebellion’s context, the covenant-keeping LORD speaks—affirming Moses’ prophetic leadership and Aaron’s priestly partnership—before acting decisively. The verse reassures us that God remains in control, addresses disorder through His appointed servants, and upholds His unchanging purposes in the midst of crisis. Hebrew And the LORDיְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel said וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר (way·ḏab·bêr) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Moses מֹשֶׁ֥ה (mō·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver and Aaron, אַהֲרֹ֖ן (’a·hă·rōn) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 175: Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses Links Numbers 16:20 NIVNumbers 16:20 NLT Numbers 16:20 ESV Numbers 16:20 NASB Numbers 16:20 KJV Numbers 16:20 BibleApps.com Numbers 16:20 Biblia Paralela Numbers 16:20 Chinese Bible Numbers 16:20 French Bible Numbers 16:20 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 16:20 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron (Nu Num.) |