“And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also?”
Context:Numbers 16 records the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron’s leadership. They gathered a group of 250 prominent men from the congregation of Israel to challenge the authority and priesthood of Moses and Aaron. In response to their rebellion, Moses called for a confrontation to be held before the Lord, where God would show His choice of leaders.
Meaning and Lessons:
- Chosen by God’s appointment:In verse 10, Moses speaks to Korah, reminding him that God had already chosen him and his fellow Levites for a special role. They had been brought near to God, given the responsibility of serving Him in the tabernacle. This verse emphasizes the divine appointment and the privilege given to the Levites. It teaches us that God appoints and calls individuals for specific tasks and responsibilities within His kingdom.
- Contentment with God’s calling:The question, “And seek ye the priesthood also?” raised by Moses to Korah points out the covetousness and discontentment of Korah and his followers. They were not satisfied with the role God had given them as Levites but desired to take on the priesthood as well, a position reserved for Aaron and his descendants. This verse serves as a reminder to be content with the calling and role that God has entrusted to us. It cautions against aspiring for positions or responsibilities that are not meant for us.
- Respect for God-given authority:Korah’s rebellion was rooted in his refusal to acknowledge the authority of Moses and Aaron, whom God had appointed as leaders. In challenging their authority, he was challenging the authority of God Himself. This verse highlights the importance of respecting and submitting to God-given authority in our lives. It teaches us to honor and obey those whom God has placed in leadership positions, recognizing that their authority comes from Him.
- The danger of rebellion:Korah’s rebellion ultimately led to severe consequences. In the subsequent verses, we see God’s judgment upon Korah and his followers, as the earth opened up and swallowed them. This serves as a warning against the perils of rebellion and disobedience. It reminds us of the importance of humility and submission before God, acknowledging His sovereignty and His appointed leaders.
- The role of intercession:Prior to the confrontation with Korah, Moses pleaded with God to spare the congregation, even though they were in rebellion. This highlights Moses’ role as an intercessor and mediator between God and the people. It demonstrates the power of intercessory prayer and the importance of standing in the gap for others, even in times of conflict and rebellion.
Overall, Numbers 16:10 provides valuable lessons on God’s divine appointment, contentment, respect for authority, the danger of rebellion, and the role of intercession. It reminds us to embrace the calling God has given us, to respect and submit to authority, and to pray for others, even in challenging situations.
