King James Version

The Book of Numbers

Chapter 16

Commentary

by G. Neil Armstrong

Numbers 16

Num 16:3 KJV

In addition to all of the manner of men and of God, the People did sin and suffer much as a result of their discord. The only true unity I have seen so far is when the People rise up against their anointed leaders; Moses and Aaron.

Now they purpose in their hearts to bring shame to Moses by challenging his authority directly. Even the way it is written impresses upon me that these People were rising up in jealosy this it.  They suggest further that Moses and Aaron maybe do more than that which is required for God. That perhaps they are abusive of their position in that they abuse the People.

This perverse and wicked camp of God's Chose, after all of the miracles and all of the consequence of sin, they rise up in discord against Moses and Aaron and for no just cause.

Num 16:4-5 KJV

Let the Lord decide. Let your challenge be your own undoing. Let not your heart trouble you. Peace to you. This is not at all the way I imagine Moses had responded to such an attack. Instead, he "fell on his face" and turned the matter over to God. I imagine also that he was very hurt and perhaps even fearful of kindling God's wrath upon this stiffnecked congregation.

Num 16:6-7 KJV

            In mock response, Moses did repeat the accusations of the People and speak against them, "ye take too much upon you, ye sons of Levi."

Num 16:8-10 KJV

            This very verse and the story of the fall of Lucifer both appear to be the same. It is an exact replica of how Lucifer did once presume to be greater than he is. This was to his own demise, as it is here in this text unto the People. This People show evidence of being under a powerful influence of Satan. It seems that they do little to resist the enemy, and to rationalize in their thoughts ahead of time to what end this action will lead.

Num 16:11-13 KJV

            Now the People define their slavery lives as "milk and honey" and that the exodus was the curse. They charge Moses with seeking his own gain. They suggest that he only brought them out of Egypt so that he can rule over them, and that all they have witnessed and experienced were of Moses doing and not of God at all!

Num 16:14-15 KJV

            As the People have accused Moses of taking to himself a portion of the offerings and keeping them, Moses is understandibly angry.

Num 16:16-21 KJV

            God was not at all please with the issue at hand. He was ready, again to consume them from off the earth. Even as the People lay these accusations upon Moses and Aaron, they still appeal to God's mercy for the people. Even thou they have put themselves in the place of an enemy, Moses did not wish that God would smite them with fire to consume them.

Num 16:22 KJV

            Moses well knew who the aggressor was in this tulmult. Moses asked God to spare the People and single out the guilty one and impose judgement.

Num 16:22-30 KJV

            This is a sign worthy of respect. If the Lord is real, let the earth open her mouth and swallow them up. Let it be for a sign, even unto the People who have seen the glorious power of God and forgot.

Num 16:31-41 KJV

            And again, even on the morrow of God's judgement, swollowing up the people who accused Moses and Aaron, the surviving mob accused Moses and Aaron of this and did not reverence God in it at all.

Num 16:42-45 KJV

            Now God is really ready to smite this People. This is the second time He suggested it in just two days time!

Num 16:46-48 KJV

            Now, the accused stands between the People and their certain death. Perhaps God was permitting them to see a glimpse of how debase man is in that He alone is worthy to judge. Imagine if Aaron harbored any resentment toward the People just then. Would he have lowered the Incense of the Lord, so that they may be consumed by the plague? No, instead he had shown forgiveness and compassion. He stood between them and death with an incense of the Lord, and not as did they in their rebellion.

Num 16:49-50 KJV