Big Idea: Envy and pride lead to rebellion and destruction.

Understanding the Text

Israel’s record in the desert since leaving Sinai had been abysmal. The people had complained about hardships, the lack of meat, and the monotony of manna (Num. 11:1–6). Moses’s own sister and brother had challenged his leadership role (Num. 12:1–2). And worst of all, Israel had been condemned by its unbelief to wander in the wilderness for forty years (Num. 14:1–10, 33).

This chapter introduces a new problem: the Levite Korah rebels. Korah’s rebellious spirit also infects others to claim the priesthood for themselves. But God fulfills his promise to show who is truly holy (Num. 16:5) by bringing judgment on these rebels.

Interpretive Insights

16:1  Izhar. Izhar is the brother of Moses’s father, Amram (…