Numbers 16:24
Speak unto the congregation, saying, Get you up from about the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.
Original Language Analysis
דַּבֵּ֥ר
Speak
H1696
דַּבֵּ֥ר
Speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 10
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
הָֽעֵדָ֖ה
unto the congregation
H5712
הָֽעֵדָ֖ה
unto the congregation
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
3 of 10
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
הֵֽעָלוּ֙
Get you up
H5927
הֵֽעָלוּ֙
Get you up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
5 of 10
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
מִסָּבִ֔יב
from about
H5439
מִסָּבִ֔יב
from about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
6 of 10
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
לְמִשְׁכַּן
the tabernacle
H4908
לְמִשְׁכַּן
the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
7 of 10
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
Historical Context
Reuben's tribe camped south of the tabernacle, adjacent to the Kohathites (Numbers 2:10, 3:29), creating geographic proximity that fostered the conspiracy. Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, had lost preeminence due to sin (Genesis 49:3-4), breeding resentment that Dathan and Abiram exploited. The tribe never recovered prominence in Israel.
Questions for Reflection
- How does proximity (physical, relational, ideological) to rebellion endanger you, even if you're not actively participating?
- What modern parallels exist to the Korah-Dathan-Abiram coalition—religious grievance allied with political grievance against biblical authority?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Speak unto the congregation, saying, Get you up from about the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram—God's mercy provides escape: he'alu (הֵעָלוּ, 'get you up') commands physical separation from the rebels' tents. The phrase mi'saviv (מִסָּבִיב, 'from about/around') indicates that many Israelites were camped near or associating with the three rebel leaders—guilt by proximity unless they repent and depart.
Note the expanded list: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram—this was a coalition rebellion. Korah (a Levite, Kohathite clan) represented religious grievance; Dathan and Abiram (Reubenites) represented tribal/political grievance against Moses. Together they mounted a two-front attack: 'you've taken too much religious authority' (Korah) and 'you've failed as political leader' (Dathan/Abiram, v. 13-14). God will answer both charges decisively.