“If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the LORD hath not sent me.”
Context: Numbers 16 tells the story of the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. These men, along with 250 other leaders of Israel, challenged the authority of Moses and Aaron, accusing them of exalting themselves above the congregation of the Lord. In response, Moses called for a test to prove who the Lord had chosen to lead His people.
God’s judgment: In verse 28, Moses warned the people that if these rebels died a “common death” or experienced a natural death like everyone else, then it would indicate that God had not sent Moses as His chosen leader. In other words, if they died in a typical manner, it would mean that Moses was not acting under divine authority. Moses is putting forth a challenge to these rebels, indicating that if they were wrong, they would face the consequences of their actions.
Divine visitation: The phrase “visited after the visitation of all men” refers to a specific divine intervention or judgment. It suggests that if these men were to face a unique or extraordinary form of judgment from God, it would signify that God had indeed chosen Moses and Aaron as His representatives. Moses was essentially saying that if God executed a miraculous judgment upon these rebels, it would serve as confirmation that Moses was acting on God’s behalf.
God’s authority: The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting the authority that God has established. Moses and Aaron were chosen by God to lead the Israelites, and challenging their leadership was, in essence, a rebellion against God Himself. This incident serves as a reminder that it is God who establishes leaders and gives them authority.
Lessons for us: The story of Korah’s rebellion teaches us the importance of humility and submission to God’s appointed authorities. It is crucial to recognize that God works through people and grants them authority for specific purposes. While it is appropriate to question leaders when they are in error, it is important to do so respectfully and with the right motives. Challenging authority solely out of personal pride or self-interest can lead to disastrous consequences.
In conclusion, Numbers 16:29 highlights the divine authority given to Moses and Aaron and serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the leaders whom God has appointed. It teaches us to be humble and submit to God’s established order, recognizing that rebellion against His chosen authorities carries severe consequences.
