What is the meaning of Numbers 16:15? Moses became very angry - Moses’ anger is righteous, not impulsive. He is indignant that God’s appointed order is being challenged by Korah and his followers (Numbers 16:1–14). - Similar moments: “So Moses’ anger burned” when Israel worshiped the calf (Exodus 32:19). Jesus “looked around at them in anger, grieved by their hardness of heart” (Mark 3:5). - Scripture allows righteous anger that defends God’s honor: “Be angry, yet do not sin” (Ephesians 4:26). and said to the LORD - Moses brings his frustration to God first, modeling humble dependence. - David does the same: “I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift my voice to the LORD for mercy” (Psalm 142:1). - God invites such honest prayer: “Call to Me and I will answer you” (Jeremiah 33:3). “Do not regard their offering - Moses asks God to reject the rebels’ incense, because their hearts are rebellious. - The LORD likewise rejected Cain’s offering (Genesis 4:4-5) and said, “The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD” (Proverbs 15:8). - Obedience matters more than ritual: “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). I have not taken one donkey from them - Moses’ conscience is clear; he has not exploited the people. - Samuel uses almost identical words when defending his leadership: “Whose donkey have I taken?” (1 Samuel 12:3). - Paul echoes the principle: “I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothing” (Acts 20:33-34). or mistreated a single one of them. - Moses maintained integrity and compassion, contrasting the false shepherds condemned in Ezekiel 34:3. - Spiritual leaders are called to “shepherd God’s flock… not lording it over those entrusted to you” (1 Peter 5:2-3). - Moses’ blameless conduct undercuts Korah’s accusations and affirms that the rebellion is against the LORD, not merely against a man. summary Numbers 16:15 shows Moses reacting with righteous anger to a direct challenge against God’s ordained leadership. He appeals to the LORD, asks Him to reject the rebels’ illegitimate worship, and testifies to his own integrity—he has neither exploited nor harmed the people. The verse underscores that God values obedient hearts and blameless leadership over empty ritual, and it encourages believers to bring every conflict to the Lord, trusting Him to vindicate faithful service. |
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