Numbers 16:4
And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face:
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע
heard
H8085
וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע
heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 5
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
וַיִּפֹּ֖ל
it he fell
H5307
וַיִּפֹּ֖ל
it he fell
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
3 of 5
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
Cross References
Numbers 14:5Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.Numbers 20:6And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell upon their faces: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto them.
Historical Context
Korah's rebellion challenged the entire structure of authority God established through Moses and Aaron. Moses' prostration echoed his response at previous crises (14:5), showing consistent pattern of turning to God when leadership was questioned. True spiritual authority is comfortable letting God vindicate His own appointments.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when your God-given authority or calling is challenged?
- What does it mean to let God defend you rather than defending yourself?
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses' response to Korah's rebellion was to fall on his face—a posture expressing both grief and appeal to God. Rather than defending his authority with argument or force, Moses immediately sought divine intervention. This humble response demonstrates that spiritual authority rests on God's appointment, not human assertion or self-defense.