Numbers 16:28
And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind.
Original Language Analysis
תֵּֽדְע֔וּן
Hereby ye shall know
H3045
תֵּֽדְע֔וּן
Hereby ye shall know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
4 of 15
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָ֣ה
that the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
that the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
שְׁלָחַ֔נִי
hath sent
H7971
שְׁלָחַ֔נִי
hath sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
7 of 15
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
לַֽעֲשׂ֕וֹת
me to do
H6213
לַֽעֲשׂ֕וֹת
me to do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
8 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֵ֥ת
H853
אֵ֥ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַֽמַּעֲשִׂ֖ים
all these works
H4639
הַֽמַּעֲשִׂ֖ים
all these works
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
11 of 15
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
13 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Exodus 3:12And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.John 6:38For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.Jeremiah 23:16Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.John 5:36But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.Ezekiel 13:17Likewise, thou son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, which prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy thou against them,Exodus 7:9When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent.Zechariah 4:9The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you.Zechariah 2:9For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me.John 11:42And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.John 5:30I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
Historical Context
Moses repeatedly demonstrated reluctance for leadership (Exodus 3:11, 4:10-13), contrasting with Korah's ambitious grasping. This statement invited God to vindicate His servant through supernatural demonstration.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you discern whether your ministry pursuits flow from God's calling or personal ambition?
- What role does humble reluctance play in confirming genuine spiritual calling?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses declares 'Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind.' He stakes his credibility on divine calling, not personal ambition. The phrase 'of mine own mind' (Hebrew 'millibi', from my heart) emphasizes that Moses' leadership flows from God's commission, not self-promotion. True spiritual authority is given, not taken.