Numbers 16:1-24
Q.1. What motivated the attack on the leadership of Moses? How significant was the threat? – (Num.16:1-4)
Moses previously had been challenged by Miriam, Aaron, and the people (c.f. Num.12:1-8; 14:1-4). It appears here, that Korah and his family despised Moses for giving them, as Levites, a less glamorous role. Korah’s father, Izhar, was the next brother of Amram, the father of Moses & Aaron. (c.f. Ex.6:18, 20-21, 24). He claimed that there was nothing special about the Aaronic priesthood who were assigned to deal with the Tabernacle ceremonies, since they were all related to their grandfather, Kohath. Dathan and Abiram were from the tribe of Jacob’s firstborn, Reuben. Perhaps they carried a deep-seated resentment at being passed over as the descendants of the oldest brother (Num.16:1-3). To have an uprising from so many was a real threat, there being – … two hundred and fifty leaders of the congregation, chosen in the assembly, men of renown (Num.16:2).
Q.2. Why did the sons of Korah rise up against Moses? How was the leadership issue to be resolved? – (Num.16:5-11)
The sons of Korah were Levites from the line of the Kohathites, as were Moses and Aaron (Ex. 6:18-24). However, God had given them a menial role. Their role was to support the line of Aaron, as they dealt with the sacrifices and offerings of the Israelites (c.f. Num.3:1-4:49). The Levites were not to approach the most holy things. This instruction was under a threat of death (Num.4:15-20; 18:2-3). It seems that there was a simmering jealousy under the surface. Their argument – … all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is in their midst; so why do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the Lord?… seemed to be reasonable. It gained widespread popular appeal (Num.16:3). Moses ordered a contest which was to be decided by God – Do this: take censers for yourselves, Korah and all your company, and put fire in them, and lay incense upon them in the presence of the Lord tomorrow; and the man whom the Lord chooses shall be the one who is holy. You have gone far enough, you sons of Levi! (Num.16:6-7).
Q.3. What was the complaint of Dathan & Abiram against Moses? How did God react to the rebellion? What do we learn from Moses? – (Num.16:12-24)
The descendants of Reuben accused Moses of bad leadership. God had assigned Moses the responsibility to lead the nation to a land flowing with milk and honey. However, here they were in a barren wilderness (Num.16:12-14). When Moses called on them to join in the contest, they refused his direction. Initially this brought an angry response from Moses (Num.16:15). However, to his great credit, he quickly regained his composure. God told Moses and Aaron to – 21 “Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them instantly.” 22 But they fell on their faces and said, “O God, God of the spirits of all flesh, when one man sins, will You be angry with the entire congregation?” (Num.16:21-22). The Lord then told Moses to separate the people from the dwellings of the rebels. Few would respond as Moses did (Num.16:24). As a godly leader, Moses placed the interests of his people above his own glory and success. That is real leadership.