“And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?”
Context: Numbers 16 records the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron’s leadership. They challenged the authority and position of Moses and Aaron, claiming that they had taken too much upon themselves and that all the congregation of Israel was holy.
Moses and Aaron’s position: The people accused Moses and Aaron of exalting themselves above the congregation. However, their leadership positions were appointed by God Himself. Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, and Aaron was selected as the high priest. They were not acting out of self-exaltation but were following the directives of God.
God’s appointment of leaders: The rebellion of Korah and others highlights an important principle regarding leadership. God establishes leaders and delegates authority according to His will. In Numbers 16:8-9, Moses responds to the rebellion by saying, “Hear now, ye sons of Levi: Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD.” Moses emphasizes that God had appointed the Levites for specific roles and tasks within the service of the tabernacle. Likewise, he and Aaron were chosen by God for their roles as leaders.
The uniqueness of Moses and Aaron’s calling: The people’s accusation that all the congregation was holy was not inaccurate. In Exodus 19:6, God told the Israelites that they would be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. However, this did not negate the specific calling and authority given to Moses and Aaron. They had unique roles and responsibilities within the community, with Moses acting as the mediator between God and the people and Aaron serving as the high priest.
Lessons for us: The story of Korah’s rebellion reminds us of the importance of respecting and submitting to God-ordained authority. While it is true that all believers are called to be priests and are considered holy in Christ (1 Peter 2:9), it does not nullify the existence of leaders and their roles within the Church. God has established leaders within the body of Christ to provide guidance, teach, and shepherd the flock. It is essential for us to recognize and honor the authority God has placed over us while also fulfilling our own responsibilities and callings within the body of Christ.
In conclusion, Numbers 16:3 showcases the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. It highlights the importance of recognizing God’s appointment of leaders and respecting the authority they possess. We should learn from this passage to honor and submit to those in positions of leadership while fulfilling our own roles and callings within the body of Christ.
