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. When Korah had gatheredThe name "Korah" is derived from the Hebrew root "קֹרַח" (Qorach), meaning "baldness" or "ice." Korah, a Levite, is a central figure in this narrative, representing rebellion against divinely appointed leadership. His gathering of followers signifies a deliberate and organized challenge to Moses and Aaron, highlighting the dangers of pride and ambition when they lead to insurrection against God's established order. all his followers
The Hebrew term for "followers" here implies a group united in purpose. This assembly of 250 leaders, men of renown, underscores the gravity of the rebellion. It serves as a cautionary tale about the influence of charismatic leaders who can sway even the respected members of a community to oppose God's will. in opposition to them
The phrase "in opposition" indicates a direct challenge to Moses and Aaron's authority. This rebellion is not just against human leaders but against God's chosen representatives. It reflects a deeper spiritual defiance, reminding believers of the importance of respecting and submitting to divinely instituted authority. at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting
The "Tent of Meeting" was the sacred space where God communicated with Moses. By gathering at its entrance, Korah and his followers were not only challenging Moses and Aaron but also encroaching on holy ground. This act symbolizes a profound disrespect for God's presence and order, serving as a warning against treating sacred things with contempt. the glory of the LORD appeared
The "glory of the LORD" (Hebrew: "כְּבוֹד יְהוָה," kavod Yahweh) is a manifestation of God's divine presence and power. Its appearance signifies God's direct intervention in the rebellion. This moment serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the seriousness with which He regards challenges to His authority. to the whole congregation
The entire community of Israel witnessed the glory of the LORD, emphasizing that God's actions and judgments are public and meant for the instruction of all. This visibility serves as a communal lesson on the consequences of rebellion and the importance of unity under God's leadership. Persons / Places / Events 1. KorahA Levite who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, challenging their leadership and the priesthood. 2. Moses and AaronThe appointed leaders of Israel, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. 3. The Tent of MeetingThe sacred place where God met with Moses and the Israelites, symbolizing God's presence among His people. 4. The Glory of the LORDA manifestation of God's presence, often associated with divine approval or judgment. 5. The Whole AssemblyThe congregation of Israel, who were witnesses to the events and the divine intervention. Teaching Points Respect for God’s Appointed LeadersRecognize and respect the authority of those whom God has placed in leadership positions. Rebellion against them is ultimately rebellion against God. The Presence of GodUnderstand that God's presence is both comforting and convicting. His glory can bring blessing or judgment depending on our obedience. The Danger of Pride and RebellionKorah's account is a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the desire for power. Humility and submission to God's will are crucial. Community AccountabilityThe whole assembly witnessed the events, reminding us that our actions affect the community. We are accountable not only to God but also to each other. Divine JusticeGod’s intervention in Korah’s rebellion shows that He is just and will uphold His order and holiness. Trust in His justice even when human systems fail. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the account of Korah's rebellion challenge us to examine our attitudes towards authority in our own lives? 2. In what ways can we ensure that we are respecting the sacredness of God's presence in our daily worship and community gatherings? 3. How can we guard against pride and the desire for power in our personal and professional lives? 4. What role does community accountability play in our spiritual growth, and how can we foster it within our church or small group? 5. How can we trust in God's justice when we see injustice in the world around us, and what scriptures can we turn to for encouragement? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 16The Israelites' grumbling against Moses and Aaron, showing a pattern of rebellion and dissatisfaction among the people. Leviticus 10The account of Nadab and Abihu, who were punished for offering unauthorized fire, highlighting the importance of respecting God's holiness. 1 Samuel 15Saul's disobedience and the resulting loss of his kingship, illustrating the consequences of rebelling against God's appointed leaders. Jude 1:11A New Testament reference to Korah's rebellion, warning against following in the footsteps of those who oppose God's authority. | Discontent a Rebellion Against God | J. Burroughs. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Elevated Character Exposed to Violence | T. Guthrie. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Envy and its Bitter Fruits | E.S. Prout | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Every Man in His Place | J. Parker, D. D. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Every Man Should Walk as He is Called of God | J. Spencer. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Fatal Discontent | J. Parker, D. D. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Korah | R. A. Hallam, D. D. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Korah, Dathan, and Abiram | J. C. Gray. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Korah, Dathan, and Abiram | Isaac Williams, B. D. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Korah, Dathan, and Abiram | Preacher's Analyst | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Korah, Dathan, and Abiram | Bp. Harvey Goodwin. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Korah, Dathan, and Abiram | C. Kingsley, M. A. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Leaders of Disaffection | C. H. Mackintosh. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Presumptuous Service | J. Parker, D. D. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Separation for Nearness to God | C. New. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | The Greater Our Means are to Prevent Sin | W. Attersoll. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | The Privileges of the Levites | Henry, Matthew | Numbers 16:1-35 | | The Resentment of Moses Against Sinners | | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Whatsoever Evil Men Do, They are Ready to Justify It | W. Attersoll. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Wicked Ambition Faith Fully Rebuked | W. Jones. | Numbers 16:1-35 | | Korah's Rebellion | W. Binnie | Numbers 16:4-35 | | The Destruction of Korah and His Company | D. Young | Numbers 16:16-35 | | Korah's Rebellion | W. Binnie | Numbers 16:19-22, 41-50 |
People Aaron, Abiram, Dathan, Eleazar, Eliab, Israelites, Izhar, Kohath, Korah, Levi, Levites, Moses, Pallu, Peleth, Reuben, ReubenitesPlaces Wilderness of ParanTopics Appeared, Assembled, Assembleth, Assembly, Company, Congregation, Door, Doorway, Entire, Entrance, Followers, Gathered, Glory, Honour, Korah, Meeting, Opening, Opposition, Tabernacle, Tent, ThusDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 16:1-35 5714 men Numbers 16:1-50 5550 speech, negative Numbers 16:8-33 7206 community Numbers 16:18-35 8269 holiness, separation from worldly Numbers 16:19-20 1193 glory, revelation of Library September 3. "The God of Israel Hath Separated You" (Num. xvi. 9).
"The God of Israel hath separated you" (Num. xvi. 9). The little plant may grow out of a manure heap, and be surrounded by filth, and covered very often with the floating dust that is borne upon the breeze, but its white roots are separated from the unclean soil, and its leaves and flowers have no affinity with the dust that settles upon them; and after a shower of summer rain they throw off every particle of defilement, and look up, as fresh and spotless as before, for their intrinsic nature cannot …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth Death Swallowed up in victory
Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory! D eath, simply considered, is no more than the cessation of life --that which was once living, lives no longer. But it has been the general, perhaps the universal custom of mankind, to personify it. Imagination gives death a formidable appearance, arms it with a dart, sting or scythe, and represents it as an active, inexorable and invincible reality. In this view death is a great devourer; with his iron tongue …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Whether Vengeance Should be Taken on those who have Sinned Involuntarily?
Objection 1: It seems that vengeance should be taken on those who have sinned involuntarily. For the will of one man does not follow from the will of another. Yet one man is punished for another, according to Ex. 20:5, "I am . . . God . . . jealous, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation." Thus for the sin of Cham, his son Chanaan was curse (Gn. 9:25) and for the sin of Giezi, his descendants were struck with leprosy (4 Kings 5). Again the blood …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Conflict.
"Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against themselves, that ye …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
Text: 1 Corinthians 10, 6-13. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
Presented to the World in a Familiar Dialogue Between Mr. Wiseman and Mr. Attentive. By John Bunyan ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The life of Badman is a very interesting description, a true and lively portraiture, of the demoralized classes of the trading community in the reign of King Charles II; a subject which naturally led the author to use expressions familiar among such persons, but which are now either obsolete or considered as vulgar. In fact it is the only work proceeding from the prolific …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 16:19 NIVNumbers 16:19 NLTNumbers 16:19 ESVNumbers 16:19 NASBNumbers 16:19 KJV
Numbers 16:19 Commentaries
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