Numbers 16:22

Arabic Bible (GNA) Good News Arabic - 1993 (الترجمة العربية المشتركة)

فوَقَعا على وجهَيهِما تضَرُّعا وقالا: «اللَّهُمَّ، يا مصدرَ حياةِ كلِّ بشَرٍ! أيَخطَأُ رَجُلٌ واحدٌ فتَغضَبَ على الجماعةِ كُلِّها؟»

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, the Israelites fall to the ground in fear and pray to God, asking why He would be angry at the entire congregation because of one person's sin. This shows the tension between individual actions and collective consequences.

Explained for Children

Imagine if one person in your class did something wrong and the whole class got in trouble. That's how the Israelites felt. They were worried that God would be mad at everyone because of one person's mistake.

Historical Background

The book of Numbers was written by Moses around 1400 BCE. This verse occurs during a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, highlighting the Israelites' fear and plea to God in a moment of crisis.

Living It Out Today

In a workplace, if a single employee's mistake affects the whole team's performance reviews, the team might feel unfairly punished. This verse encourages understanding and dialogue to address the issue.

Topics

• sin
• judgment
• collective responsibility
• prayer
• rebellion
• forgiveness

Related Verses

• 2 Samuel 24:17
• Ezekiel 18:20
• 1 Corinthians 10:13
• James 1:13
• Luke 13:1-5

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is speaking in Numbers 16:22?

The Israelites are speaking to God, showing their fear and pleading for mercy.

What does 'God of the spirits of all flesh' mean?

It refers to God's power over every human life, emphasizing His authority over all people's actions and decisions.

How does this verse relate to the concept of collective punishment?

It highlights the tension between individual actions and the consequences faced by a community, suggesting a plea for fair judgment.

What can we learn about prayer from this verse?

We learn that prayer involves acknowledging God's authority and seeking His mercy in times of crisis and misunderstanding.