Justin Houtz

Numbers 16, Romans 16

DateVersionReading Plan
May 13, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Numbers 16

Observation & Interpretation

The sons of Korah and others (250 leaders of Israel in all) rose up in rebellion against the priesthood and civil authority and accused them of exalting themselves above the congregation (Num. 16:1-3). Moses responded by falling on his face, told them to take up censors and that the LORD would choose the next day whom shall be the holy one (Num. 16:7). Moses told them that the sons of Levi had gone too far and that they had gathered against the LORD (Num. 16:11). Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, but they refused to come up, saying through rhetorical question that it was no small thing that they were brought out of a land flowing with milk and honey (Egypt). They told Moses that he had brought them to be killed in the wilderness and had not brought them into a land with milk and honey (the land that had been promised) (Num. 16:12-14). This angered Moses who said to the LORD not to respect their offering (Num. 16:15).

Moses told Korah and all his company to be present the next day and put incense on their censors (Num. 16:17). The LORD told Moses and Aaron to separate themselves from the congregation that He may consume them (Num. 16:21). Moses interceded for the congregation and the judgment was not executed (Num. 16:19). Moses spoke to the congregation and told them to depart from the tents of the Korah rebellion. The BBC explains what happened next:

Then Moses announced that if these men died a natural death, or were visited by the common fate of all men, then Moses himself would be discredited. But if the LORD miraculously caused the earth to swallow them up, then the people would know that these men had been guilty of rebellion (v. 30). No sooner had he uttered these words than the earth opened up and swallowed Dathan and Abiram and their families [households], who must have joined in their rebellion (vv. 32, 33).

The LORD spoke to Moses and told him to take the censors used by the rebellious chiefs, scatter the fire far and wide and convert the sensors into “hammered plates to cover the altar of burnt offering. These were a reminder that only the family of Aaron had priestly privileges.” (BBC). However, the next day all the the congregation of Israel grumbled against Moses and accused them of killing the people of the LORD (Num. 16:41). Moses and Aaron went before the tent of meeting “no doubt to intercede for them” (BBC) (Num. 16:43) and the LORD told them to get away from the midst of the congregation (Num. 16:45). Moses told Aaron to put fire on his censor and carry it quickly to the congregation to make atonement for them as the wrath had already gone out from the LORD and the plague had already begun (Acts 16:46). Aaron did so and the plague was stopped but those who died were 14,700 besides those killed in the Korah rebellion (Num. 16:49).

Application

The collective rebellion or Korah and the other chiefs was taken up against Moses but was ultimately against God. Their resentment of Moses’ leadership over them manifested in sedition, arguing “that all the people were holy and should not be excluded from offering sacrifices” (BBC). How quickly our sin can fester and lead to dissension of this kind. Rather than trusting in the LORD and abiding in His good order, we seek our own way. This is at the heart of all sin, to thwart the benevolent dominion of God and establish our own. May we look on this instance with Korah rebellion and its disastrous consequences as an opportunity to repent of any such sinful proclivities in our hearts and turn toward our Lord in faith.

Romans 16

Observation & Interpretation

“Paul sends greetings to various acquaintances and fellow missionaries who live in Rome.” (FSB) He also makes appeal to the brothers to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles according to the doctrine they had been taught (Rom. 16:17). They do not serve the Lord but their own appetites and flatter and deceive by their smooth talk (Rom. 16:18). Paul acknowledged the obedience of the brothers and rejoiced over them but urged them to be wise as to what is good and innocent to what is evil (Rom. 16:19). Paul comforts them by saying that God will soon crush satan under His feet.

Paul continues in greetings from his friends, Timothy, Tertius and others (Rom. 16:21-24). Paul concludes the letter with a doxology. “It is addressed to the God who is able to make His people stand firm in accordance with the gospel which Paul preached and which he calls my gospel.” (BBC).

Application

Paul’s admonition of the brothers to wise to what is good and innocent to what is evil is a sentiment all believers should heed in their daily walk with the Lord. We are surrounded by a vast spectrum of truth claims and thus must remain diligent in anchoring ourselves in God’s Word. To the degree we abide in God’s Word we will be able to discern objective truth as it collides with false assertions. This must then be expressed in action, interacting with the world in words and deeds that are aligned with the gospel, ambassadors for Christ seeking His glory in all things.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are good and You alone reign over all things. Father, help me to acknowledge Your dominion and gracious work of sanctification in the wilderness seasons. Holy Spirit, thank You that by Your Word I may know You, draw near to You and live out my faith in love and truth to others.

Resources