Numbers 16:21

Translations

Modern

“Separate yourselves from this congregation so that I may consume them in an instant.”

Traditional

Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.

Literal

“Separate yourselves from the midst of this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.”

Latin

Separamini de medio congregationis hujus, ut eos repente disperdam.

Original

Hebrew

English

“Separate yourselves from this congregation so that I may consume them in an instant.”

Notes

Numbers 16:18–22

At the height of the rebellion, the Lord intervened to save Moses and Aaron. Moses and Aaron then prayed for the people.

Numbers 16:21–26

The Lord threatened to destroy the entire community because of widespread sin (compare Genesis 18:16–33). Moses and Aaron prayed to limit the Lord's judgment to those guilty of this specific rebellion.

Numbers 16:1–17:13

Another rebellion demanded a clear separation of duties between priests and Levites. This power struggle was more serious than previous rebellions against God's authority (chapter 11; 12:1–15; 14:1–45).

In these historical events, the rebels protested minor issues and questioned their leaders' actions. Yet, Moses reminded them that they were actually rebelling against God. As a result, the Israelites suffered deadly consequences for their rebellion.

Theme notes and profiles

Moses Apostasy Remove the Evil Retribution The Dangers of Sin

Related verses

Exodus 32:10
Now leave Me alone, so that My anger may burn against them and consume them. Then I will make you into a great nation.”
Numbers 16:45
“Get away from this congregation so that I may consume them in an instant.” And Moses and Aaron fell facedown.
Revelation 18:4
Then I heard another voice from heaven say: “Come out of her, My people, so that you will not share in her sins or contract any of her plagues.
Exodus 33:5
For the LORD had said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites, ‘You are a stiff-necked people. If I should go with you for a single moment, I would destroy you. Now take off your jewelry, and I will decide what to do with you.’”
Psalm 73:19
How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!
Jeremiah 5:16
Their quivers are like open graves; they are all mighty men.
Numbers 14:12
I will strike them with a plague and destroy them—and I will make you into a nation greater and mightier than they are.”
Hebrews 12:28–29
Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.
Genesis 19:15–22
At daybreak the angels hurried Lot along, saying, “Get up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city.”
2 Corinthians 6:17
“Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”
Numbers 14:15
If You kill this people as one man, the nations who have heard of Your fame will say,
Isaiah 37:36
Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies!

Glossary

Aaron Aaron’s Rod Abiram Courts and Trials Dathan Deuteronomy, Book of Incense Jude, Letter of Kadesh, Kadesh-Barnea Korah Numbers, Book of Wilderness Wanderings

Topics

Ambition: Korah and his Co-Conspirators Anger: Anger of God Company: Evil Conspiracy: Miriam and Aaron, Against Moses Dathan: A Conspirator Against Moses Holiness: should Lead to Separation from the Wicked Incense: Korah and his Company Punished for offering Incense: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Intercession: Additional Instances of for Israel Israel: Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Priests: Punishment for Invading the office of The Levites: Punishment of Korah and Others of, for offering Incense Treason of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Against Moses and Aaron

Numbers 16:21

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