“And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.”
Context: Numbers 16 records the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron’s leadership. They, along with 250 prominent leaders, challenged Moses and Aaron’s authority, desiring the priesthood for themselves. In response, Moses called for a test to determine who was chosen by God to serve as priests. God made His will known by causing the ground to open up and swallow Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, along with their households and possessions. The people witnessed this supernatural judgment.
Warning against association: In Numbers 16:26, Moses addresses the congregation following the divine judgment. He urges them to separate themselves from the tents of these wicked men. Moses understands the seriousness of God’s judgment and warns the people against aligning themselves with those who rebelled against God’s appointed leaders. It serves as a reminder of the importance of avoiding associations with those who persist in disobedience and rebellion against God.
Consequences of association: Moses warns the people not to touch anything belonging to the rebels, emphasizing that doing so may result in sharing in their sins and being consumed along with them. This warning highlights the principle that association with the ungodly and participation in their sinful activities can have severe consequences. In this instance, the act of touching or taking part in the possessions of the rebels symbolizes participation in their rebellion against God’s chosen leaders.
Spiritual application: The story of Korah’s rebellion and the subsequent warning from Moses carries several important lessons for believers today:
- Submission to God-given authority: The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram reveals the danger of challenging or undermining the authority that God has established in leadership. It teaches the importance of submitting to God-appointed leaders in the church and other areas of life.
- Separation from ungodly influences: Moses’ exhortation to depart from the tents of the wicked emphasizes the need for believers to separate themselves from those who persist in rebellion against God. We should be careful not to associate closely with those who promote sinful behavior or undermine our faith.
- Accountability for our associations: Moses warns the people about the potential consequences of touching anything that belonged to the rebels. Similarly, as believers, we should be mindful of the company we keep and the influences we allow into our lives. Our associations can impact our spiritual well-being and witness.
- God’s judgment and righteousness: The judgment executed upon the rebels serves as a reminder of God’s holiness, justice, and the seriousness of sin. It reinforces the truth that God will ultimately hold all individuals accountable for their actions.
