What does Numbers 16:4 Mean?

Context Summary

This was a very serious revolt, because so many princes associated themselves with the Levites. Jealousy was at the root of the entire movement. "All the congregation are holy," they said. "Wherefore lift ye up yourselves?" There is no root of bitterness that needs such careful watching as jealousy! If it is in your heart you must, like Samuel of old and General Gordon in our own times, "hew Agag in pieces before the Lord."

The record of Moses' meekness precedes this story of his testing. Whatever is strongest and best in us will be searched as by fire. Even Moses was ruffled by these gross charges. See Numbers 16:15. The best of men are but men at the best. Only Jesus was without a flaw.

What a beautiful thought is expressed in Numbers 16:5; Numbers 16:7; Numbers 16:9. There are holy and blessed souls who have an especial right of access into God's presence-chamber. See Zechariah 3:7. [source]

Chapter Summary: Numbers 16

¹  The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram
²³  Moses separates the people from the rebels' tents
³¹  The earth swallows up Korah, and a fire consumes others
³⁶  The censers are reserved to holy use
⁴¹  14,700 are slain by a plague, for murmuring against Moses and Aaron
⁴⁶  Aaron by incense stays the plague