Numbers 16:1-50

The Rebellion of Kokah, Dathan, Abibam, and On

This incident is similar to that recorded in Numbers 12, and while it illustrates the difficulties Moses encountered in his leadership, owing to the jealousy of those under him, it served to confirm him (Numbers 16:28) and Aaron (a 17) in the position assigned to them. It is now generally agreed that this chapter is composed of two narratives interwoven with each other. The one describes a rebellion led by Dathan, Abiram, and On against the civil authority of Moses (Numbers 16:1; Numbers 16:12; Numbers 16:25); while the other describes a different sort of rebellion, headed by Korah and 250 princes of the congregation, against the ecclesiastical leadership of Moses and Aaron. This separation of the chapter into two distinct narratives reduces it to order and serves to explain, not only the literary inequalities, but also the differences of fact; such as e.g. in the one case the refusal to obey the summons of Moses, and in the other the compliance with it (cp. Numbers 16:12 with 18, 19); the difference in locality, in the one case the sanctuary, and in the other the tents of Dathan and Abiram (Numbers 16:18 and Numbers 16:25); and the different fate of the two companies, in the one case death by earthquake, and in the other by fire from the Lord (Numbers 16:31 and Numbers 16:35).

4. The action may denote the dismay of Moses, but more probably his praying for guidance: cp. Numbers 16:22; Numbers 16:45; Numbers 20:6.