Suggested Bible Reading: Numbers 16-17
Devotional Thought:
Chapter 16 records a very serious rebellion against Moses and Aaron. It is easily the worst event so far in Israel’s journey and one in which 15,000 Israelites perished, besides the followers of Korah. This took place because of four men who wanted to be promoted, and in order to get it sought to displace the leadership that God had established in Moses and Aaron. Unfortunately this approach has been too evident in our day as well. Fortunately for those who stir up trouble and those that follow, our God is patient and long suffering in this age of grace. The rebellion of Korah began in the unbelief of chapter14 and started a terrible downward course among the people and ushered in this sad tragedy. Korah, along with Dathan, Abiram, and On led a conspiracy of 250 princes of the people against Aaron’s position as the High Priest and Moses’ authority in general. Rebellion not only desires company, it requires it. Rebellious people must create a following to substantiate in their mind the credibility for their rebellious actions. These rebels misrepresented the truth that the entire congregation was sanctified and therefore should be allowed to function as priests. God knew that this rebellion was not rooted in who should function as priest, but rather it was rooted in a rebellion against God for who He had put in charge. God punished this rebellious act by causing the earth to open and swallow the leaders and all their possessions. Then a fire from the Lord consumed the 250 followers. I believe this chapter can be divided into four main points. Together they form a solemn revelation of the gravity of the sin of rebellion. They are: (1) the recklessness of the rebellion (vs. 1-19), (2) the reality of the judgment (vs. 20-35), (3) the reconciliation from the priest (vs. 36-40), and (4) the result of murmuring. (vs. 41-50) In verses 1-3 the rebellion that now took shape certainly was plausible and impressive. Plausible because they said, “Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them.” It is true that the nation were all set apart to God in order to be His people. It was also true that God dwelt among them. Rebellious leaders take a little truth and misrepresent it in order to create a position of opposition. Impressive in that he influenced 250 princes who were “men of renown.” It is always sad when men of such standing lack the wisdom and discernment to see the real heart issues. Instead of being an example to the nation, they allowed themselves to be carried away and lent their support fully to the rebellion. Korah was a Levite, but not a priest. Dissatisfied with his role he resented this exclusion from priestly functions, and in secret aspired to have and equal position with Aaron (vs. 10). I find it interesting that On, after being mentioned in verse one is not mentioned in the rest of the story, nor in any other passage of Scripture. It is possible that he had second thoughts and withdrew from the conspiracy. If this is the case then let the believer who may have been unwise enough to join in any opposition against leadership, seek grace to repent and withdraw.
Prayer Requests:
• Lord, please help me to have the wisdom and discernment to never get caught up in the deceit of rebellion. Help me to manifest trust in my great God at all times.
• Lord, please remind me often of the seriousness of rebellion and the manifestation of it through murmuring and complaining. Help me to be content in your leadership and what you allow into my life.
• Lord, thank you for your grace and the numbers of opportunities to repent and grow. Thank you for being patient and merciful to me.