Numbers 16:22
And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּפְּל֤וּ
And they fell
H5307
וַיִּפְּל֤וּ
And they fell
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
1 of 16
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פְּנֵיהֶם֙
upon their faces
H6440
פְּנֵיהֶם֙
upon their faces
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
3 of 16
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
אֵ֕ל
O God
H410
אֵ֕ל
O God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
5 of 16
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
the God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
the God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 16
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
הָֽרוּחֹ֖ת
of the spirits
H7307
הָֽרוּחֹ֖ת
of the spirits
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
7 of 16
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
לְכָל
H3605
לְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בָּשָׂ֑ר
of all flesh
H1320
בָּשָׂ֑ר
of all flesh
Strong's:
H1320
Word #:
9 of 16
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
הָאִ֤ישׁ
man
H376
הָאִ֤ישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
10 of 16
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֶחָד֙
shall one
H259
אֶחָד֙
shall one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
יֶֽחֱטָ֔א
sin
H2398
יֶֽחֱטָ֔א
sin
Strong's:
H2398
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
וְעַ֥ל
H5921
וְעַ֥ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
13 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
14 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Numbers 27:16Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,Job 12:10In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.Zechariah 12:1The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.Hebrews 12:9Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?Ecclesiastes 12:7Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.Isaiah 57:16For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made.Romans 5:18Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.Genesis 18:32And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake.Numbers 14:5Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.Numbers 16:45Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces.
Historical Context
This prayer came after God threatened to destroy the entire congregation for Korah's rebellion (v.21). Moses and Aaron's intercession distinguished between active rebels and the rest of Israel, appealing to God's just character. God's acceptance - commanding the congregation to separate from the rebels - showed that corporate punishment falls only on those who actively participate in or support sin. The earth swallowing Korah's company (v.31-33) and fire consuming the 250 offering incense (v.35) dramatically demonstrated God's precise justice. This principle continues - God judges individuals, not indiscriminately punishing the innocent with the guilty (Ezek 18).
Questions for Reflection
- When praying for justice, do you appeal to God's revealed character and attributes as your basis for confidence?
- How does God's knowledge as 'the God of the spirits of all flesh' comfort you that He judges righteously, knowing each heart?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses and Aaron pray: 'O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?' This title emphasizes God's sovereignty over all human life - He gives spirit/breath to every person (Gen 2:7, Job 12:10, Zech 12:1). The prayer appeals to God's justice, arguing that corporate punishment for individual sin violates His character. God's response vindicated this appeal - separating the righteous from Korah's company before judgment (v.23-27). This demonstrates God's discrimination in judgment, punishing guilty while sparing innocent. The title foreshadows Hebrews 12:9, 'the Father of spirits,' emphasizing God's authority and knowledge of each person.