Numbers 16:15
And Moses was very wroth, and said unto the LORD, Respect not thou their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּ֤חַר
wroth
H2734
וַיִּ֤חַר
wroth
Strong's:
H2734
Word #:
1 of 20
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
מְאֹ֔ד
was very
H3966
מְאֹ֔ד
was very
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
3 of 20
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
יְהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
7 of 20
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תֵּ֖פֶן
Respect
H6437
תֵּ֖פֶן
Respect
Strong's:
H6437
Word #:
8 of 20
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
מִנְחָתָ֑ם
not thou their offering
H4503
מִנְחָתָ֑ם
not thou their offering
Strong's:
H4503
Word #:
10 of 20
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
לֹ֠א
H3808
לֹ֠א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 20
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נָשָׂ֔אתִי
I have not taken
H5375
נָשָׂ֔אתִי
I have not taken
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
15 of 20
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
16 of 20
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הֲרֵעֹ֖תִי
from them neither have I hurt
H7489
הֲרֵעֹ֖תִי
from them neither have I hurt
Strong's:
H7489
Word #:
17 of 20
properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
18 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Moses' self-defense echoes Samuel's later appeal when Israel rejected his leadership (1 Samuel 12:3-5). Both leaders served sacrificially yet faced rejection. Their clean consciences before God enabled them to appeal confidently for divine vindication. Faithful service creates moral authority even when opposed.
Questions for Reflection
- How does serving with integrity prepare you for seasons of opposition or accusation?
- When is it appropriate to appeal to your own faithfulness in response to false charges?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses, deeply provoked, asked God not to respect the rebels' offering. His vehemence came not from wounded pride but from recognition that their rebellion offended God. The appeal to his own integrity—'I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them'—established that his leadership had been selfless, not exploitative.