Notes from Num 16

The date of the history contained in this chapter is altogether uncertain. Probably these mutinies happened after their removal back again from Kadesh-barnea, when they were fixed (if I may so speak) for their wandering in the wilderness, and began to look upon that as their settlement. Presently after new laws given follows the story of a new rebellion, as if sin took occasion from the commandment to become more exceedingly sinful. Here is,

I. A daring and dangerous rebellion raised against Moses and Aaron, by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram (v. 1-15).
1. Korah and his accomplices contend for the priesthood against Aaron (v. 3). Moses reasons with them, and appeals to God for a decision of the controversy (v. 4-11).
2. Dathan and Abiram quarrel with Moses, and refuse to obey his summons, which greatly grieves him (v. 12-15).
II. A solemn appearance of the pretenders to the priesthood before God, according to order, and a public appearance of the glory of the Lord, which would have consumed the whole congregation if Moses and Aaron had not interceded (v. 16-22).
III. The deciding of the controversy, and the crushing of the rebellion, by the cutting off of the rebels.
1. Those in their tents were buried alive (v. 23-34).
2. Those at the door of the tabernacle were consumed by fire (v. 35), and their censers preserved for a memorial (v. 37-40).
IV. A new insurrection of the people (v. 41-43).
1. God stayed in the insurrection by a plague (v. 45).
2. Aaron stayed the plague by offering incense (v. 46-50).
The manner and method of recording this story plainly show the ferment to have been very great.