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Study :: Bible Study Notes :: ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Numbers 16

ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Numbers 16

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Click here to view listing below for Num 16:29

Num. 16:1 Korah was a Levite (but not a priest) from the Kohathite clan. They camped near the tribe of Reuben (2:10–11; 3:29), from which the other leaders (Dathan, Abiram, and On) came. This could explain their cooperation. On is not mentioned later.

Num. 16:3 The claim that all . . . are holy could be based on the repeated call in the law to be holy (e.g., Lev. 11:45; 19:2; Num. 15:40). But this ethical holiness is not identical with priestly holiness, which gives the priest the right to approach God in the offering of sacrifice and incense. When the Kohathites claim that Moses and Aaron exalt themselves, they show that they do not understand that the priesthood is a matter of God’s choosing (see Heb. 5:4).

Num. 16:8–11 The Levites already enjoy great privileges in serving in the tabernacle, so they should not seek the priesthood also.

Num. 16:12–15 The Reubenite complaint is about dying in the wilderness instead of in Canaan or Egypt. This is a rebellion against God’s will and purpose like that provoked by the spies (chs. 13–14).

Num. 16:15 I have not taken one donkey from them. Moses did not misuse his office for personal gain.

Num. 16:16–19, 35–40 For a similar judgment on the unauthorized offering of incense, see Lev. 10:1–3.

Num. 16:20–34 And the earth opened its mouth. God swiftly judges those who thought they could take the privileges of priesthood for themselves. Sheol (v. 33) is the place of the dead, often pictured as being under the earth (Gen. 37:35; Ps. 6:5; Isa. 14:9–11).

Num. 16:35 fire came out from the Lord and consumed the 250 men. This punishment shows that no one should presume to come into God’s presence without God’s authorization (but compare Heb. 10:19, with regard to believers under the new covenant).

Num. 16:39–40 A covering for the altar is mentioned in Ex. 38:2. This new one may have replaced or been put on top of the old one.

Num. 16:41–50 God sent a plague because all the congregation falsely accused Moses and Aaron. God had chosen Aaron as high priest. Only he could minister atonement. Aaron stopped the punishment by holding a censer and standing between the dead and the living (v. 48).

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