Scripture
By Janice Hall
Judgment on the Rebellion…
Scripture Lesson Text: Numbers 16:23-35
Related Scriptures: Numbers 16:15-22, 36-50; Psalm 16:1-11
In this portion of Numbers 16:23-35, we see divine judgment which is a direct result of Korah’s rebellion. God upheld His humble servant Moses and dealt with the pride of Korah. The verses prior to the lesson text, Numbers 16:15-22, shows Moses becoming very angry after hearing the words of Dathan and Abiram. They had questioned Moses’ and Aaron’s right to lead the nation. God announces judgment on the rebels, but Moses’ and Aaron’s prayers spared the congregation from being destroyed.
In Numbers 16:36-50, we see the censers of the rebels were holy and preserved. They were memorialized and served as a reminder that God appoints His leaders. The children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron, which caused pending judgment because they sided with Korah. Aaron’s intercession halts the plague of judgment upon the children of Israel.
Psalm 16:1-11, is called the Psalm of Faith and relates how David is content and has great gladness and confidence in God even in pressing times. When David needed guidance, God gave it to him, therefore David praised God! There was much happiness and glory in David’s life. His life was a commitment to God and certainly his life would continue on in the presence of God.
Synopsis
By Pam Jones
Numbers 16:23 reads “But if the Lord make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the Lord.” This scripture is one that should let us all know that we cannot speak against what God has ordained and get away with it. Moses and Aaron did not seek their leadership positions. God called them to those roles and they were installed to carry out His mission. Korah, Dathan, and Abiram rebelled against God, Moses, and Aaron because of God’s choices.
It cost them not only their lives, but the lives of their family and followers as well. Due to their rebellion, God showed up in a way that had not been seen before. He opened up the earth and sent these wicked men to their demise. We should never think that our rebellion will go unpunished.
God will stand and back His word, and the leaders He has chosen and ordained for whatever mission/ministry He desires. If we speak against them, we are speaking against God and His plans. 1 Chronicles 16:21-22 says “He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes, saying, touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.” Korah, Dathan, and Abiram didn’t learn this very important statement from the Lord. God knows what is best, and chooses those whom He has imparted certain gifts, leadership abilities, and anointing to carry out His plans!
Practical Application
By Marshal Arnwine
Numbers 16:23-35 details the divine response to rebellion against Moses and Aaron by Korah and 250 other prominent Israelite men. These scriptures showed the righteousness of God and reminded us that God’s holiness must be taken seriously. God does not take rebelliousness against Him or His people lightly and will administer a fair and measured response to sin. God’s holiness and righteousness should teach us important aspects of how we must think and act in order to be in alignment with the Lord’s character. Believers in Christ should maintain a healthy fear of the Lord so we will be reverent and have a greater view of His mercy toward us.
A part of living as the creation of a sovereign God is the realization that our actions reveal who we are and what we believe. Moses’ actions demonstrated how to trust the Lord when people question your leadership in serving God’s people. The more believers in Christ know about God, the more likely we are to trust Him. Moses knew God intimately, and even spoke with God face to face in the book of Exodus. This intimacy allowed Moses to confidently issue a challenge to the rebellious people to demonstrate that it was God who sent Moses to be a leader.
Ultimately, Numbers 16:31-35 shows that God supports Moses’ challenge by releasing judgment in the form of opening up the ground and swallowing up Korah and the rebellious community. Although God does not take pleasure in executing judgment , God will judge rebellion, which means a person only has so long to turn to the Lord before God releases His judgment . This reality should cause believers and unbelievers to have a sense of urgency to humble ourselves, repent, and follow Jesus Christ commands before judgment begins. When Christ died for our sins, He endured the wrath that we deserved. We can honor Christ’s sacrifice by living a righteous life and avoiding rebellious behavior.
