Bible Pathway - Feb. 20, 2011

Read Numbers 16

Numbers 16Highlights:

This reading is far more than incidental Hebrew history. See how jealousy, discontent, and failure to cooperate with God-ordained leadership destroy the usefulness of "good" people. God will reveal His will to anyone who desires to follow it.

Once again, Moses was confronted with opposition, this time from his own cousins and key leaders of the 12 tribes. Korah, (and) the . . . sons of Reuben . . . rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation . . . gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. . . . And Korah gathered all the congregation against them (Num. 16:1-3,19). They believed that the majority should rule the Nation. Two hundred fifty of the leading men of Israel were influenced by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram to rebel against Moses and Aaron. They accused Moses and Aaron of assuming too much authority, and their argument seemed very convincing: Ye take (assume) 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? (16:3). They refused to recognize that Moses and Aaron were appointed by God to lead the people and that they were actually gathered together against the Lord and His anointed servants (16:11).

Korah did not just make a mistake, he committed a serious sin, as recorded by Jude, who wrote: I will therefore put you in remembrance . . . how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them. . . . Woe unto them! for they . . . ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying (rebellion) of Core (Korah) (Jude 1:5,11).

Korah was a believer in God from the priestly tribe of Levi. The Kohathites were responsible for bearing the Sanctuary upon their shoulders (Num. 7:9) and later would be set over the service of song in the House of the Lord (I Chr. 6:22,31) and over the Shewbread, to prepare it every Sabbath (9:31-32). However, it appears that Korah would serve the Lord if it resulted in bringing recognition to himself. Self-willed people need to recognize that the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness (Rom. 1:18), but will not believe it themselves or teach it to others. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God (Heb. 10:31).

Thought for Today:

For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword (Heb. 4:12).

Christ Portrayed:

By Aaron and his sons, who were responsible for making proper atonement for all of the sins of Israel (Num. 18:1). Jesus was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities (Is. 53:5); He gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity (lawlessness) (Titus 2:14).

Word Studies 16:31 clave asunder split open; 17:10 Testimony ark of the Covenant; take away their murmurings but an end to their complaints; 18:15 Every thing that openeth the matrix every firstborn; 18:30 heaved offered.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Official: Sen. Mitch McConnell, Jr. (KY) • Country: Trinidad and Tobago (1 million) two islands seven miles off the coast of Venezuela • Major languages: English and Hindi • Religious freedom • 34% Protestant; 29% Roman Catholic; 25% Hindu; 7% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that you would be sanctified through the truth of the Word of God (John 17:17).

Optional Reading: Luke 7:1-49

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:5