Numbers 16:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Numbers 16:13
13 Is it a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except thou make thyself altogether a prince over us?
Chapter Context
Numbers 16 is a mixed narrative and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, grace, prayer. Written during Israel's wilderness period (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The wilderness journey occurred between Egypt's dominance and the Canaanite tribal systems.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-50: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Numbers and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Numbers 16:13
13 Is it a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except thou make thyself altogether a prince over us?
Analysis
Dathan and Abiram challenge Moses: 'Is it a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except thou make thyself altogether a prince over us?' Their accusation inverts reality - calling Egypt (slavery) a land flowing with milk and honey while denying Canaan that description. The Hebrew 'me'at' (small/little thing) sarcastically minimizes the Exodus, showing how rebellion distorts perspective. They accused Moses of self-exaltation ('make thyself a prince') when God appointed him (Ex 3-4). This demonstrates sin's irrationality - rewriting history, inverting values, and attributing selfish motives to godly leaders. Such distorted thinking characterizes all rebellion against God-ordained authority.
Historical Context
This accusation came from Reubenites Dathan, Abiram, and On (v.1), who joined Korah's Levitical rebellion. Their geographic proximity (Reuben camped south of the tabernacle near Kohathite Levites) may explain their alliance. Their refusal to meet Moses (v.12-14) showed contempt for his authority. The charge that Moses wanted to 'put out' (naqar - gouge out) their eyes (v.14) suggested he was blinding them to truth - ironically, their own spiritual blindness prevented seeing God's gracious deliverance from Egypt. Their judgment - earth swallowing them alive with their families and possessions (v.31-33) - dramatically vindicated Moses. Numbers 26:11 notes 'the children of Korah died not,' showing God's mercy amid judgment.
Reflection
- How does sin distort your perspective, making you view blessings as burdens and God's servants as oppressors?
- When you're tempted to rebel against authority, do you examine whether you're attributing evil motives to godly leadership?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Numbers 11:5, Exodus 2:14, 16:3, Acts 7:35