MPV Commentary

1-2. Now Korah, son of Izhar, was a Kohathite Levite who felt unfairly passed over for leadership by his younger relative, a descendant of Kohath's fourth son (Ex 6:18). This perceived injustice likely fueled Korah's rebellion against Moses and Aaron.

Dathan and Abiram, sons of Reuben, joined Korah in this insurrection. They claimed that Moses had arbitrarily taken away the right of primogeniture, which should have made them priests, and instead favored his own family (Nu 3:30). They also resented Judah's leadership among the tribes.

Korah and his followers were incited by his artful representations and felt a sense of personal grievance. When the conspiracy was ripe, they openly challenged Moses' authority, accusing him of usurping power and appointing Aaron as priest without divine right (Nu 16:3).

3. The conspirators gathered against Moses and Aaron, claiming that since all Israelites were consecrated to God's service (Ex 19:6), anyone could offer sacrifices on the altar. They argued that God was present among them through the tabernacle and cloud, making it acceptable for others to perform priestly duties.

4. When Moses heard this, he fell on his face in prayer, humbly seeking God's intervention to clear him of these false accusations. He felt a strong sense of the sin involved in this rebellion, despite Aaron's past transgressions (Nu 12:1).

5-11. Moses addressed Korah and his company, proposing a test to determine who was divinely appointed as priest. The next morning, God would show who were His chosen ones by allowing them to come near Him with their censers.

Moses invited Korah and his followers to offer incense on the altar, warning them that this was a perilous experiment (Nu 16:6-7). He magnanimously offered to let anyone become a priest if they could prove themselves worthy.

12-14. Moses sent for Dathan and Abiram separately, as their grievances were different from Korah's. They refused to obey the summons, claiming that Moses was prolonging their stay in the desert for his own selfish purposes (Nu 16:12).

15. Moses was enraged by these unjust charges and prayed to God not to accept their offering, which was a united appeal against him and Aaron.

16-18. Moses instructed Korah and his company to stand before the tabernacle with their censers, so that the people could witness the experiment (Nu 16:16). Two hundred fifty Levites joined Korah in this challenge.

17. The censers were small platters used for offering incense in Egyptian households, which they had borrowed when leaving Egypt (Ex 12:35-36).

20-21. God instructed Moses and Aaron to separate themselves from the congregation, as their presence was offensive to Him after His glory appeared (Lev 9:23). He wanted to consume them instantly.

22. Moses and Aaron fell on their faces, praying for their enemies, "O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh" (Nu 16:22).

24-26. Moses told the congregation to leave the tabernacle area, as they were in danger of being consumed with Korah and his followers (Nu 16:24). The elders accompanied him in this mission.

27. The tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram was located elsewhere, indicating their defiance and impenitence.

28-34. Moses declared that the Lord would show His power by destroying those who opposed Him. An earthquake swallowed up Korah and his followers, confirming Moses' divine mission (Nu 16:28).

35. A fire from the Lord destroyed Korah and the Levites who had joined him in rebellion (Nu 26:11, 58; 1Ch 6:22, 37).

37-40. Moses instructed Eleazar to take the brazen censers of Korah's followers and make them into a memorial, warning against future invasions of the priesthood.

41. The Israelites murmured against Moses and Aaron, blaming them for killing God's people (Nu 16:41). Despite this, Moses and Aaron interceded for the people, even risking their own lives to do so.

48. Aaron stood between the living and the dead, a remarkable act that foreshadowed Christ's role as mediator between life and death (Nu 16:48).