Numbers 16:7

Arabic KEH Ketab El Hayat (كتاب الحياة)

وَضَعُوا فِيهَا نَاراً وَبَخُوراً أَمَامَ الرَّبِّ غَداً. وَالرَّجُلُ الَّذِي يَخْتَارُهُ الرَّبُّ يَكُونُ هُوَ الْمُقَدَّسُ، فَحَسْبُكُمْ أَيُّهَا اللاَّوِيُّونَ!»

What Does This Mean?

This verse is from Moses to Korah and his followers. It tells them to put fire and incense in their censers and bring them before the Lord. The one chosen by God will be holy, and Moses warns them they are taking too much upon themselves.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing a game where you have to follow special rules to be part of a team. Moses is telling Korah and his friends to follow the rules by putting fire and incense in their censers. The one God picks will be special, and Moses is reminding them not to try to be leaders if God hasn't chosen them.

Historical Background

The book of Numbers was written by Moses around 1400 BC. This passage is part of a larger narrative about a rebellion led by Korah and his followers against Moses and Aaron's leadership. The context is the Israelites' wandering in the wilderness after leaving Egypt.

Living It Out Today

In a modern scenario, this verse can remind us not to overstep our bounds at work or in our communities. Just as Korah and his followers were warned against taking on roles they weren't chosen for, we should be mindful of respecting leadership and authority in our lives.

Topics

• leadership
• obedience
• rebellion
• divine choice
• priesthood
• warning

Related Verses

• Exodus 30:1-10
• Leviticus 10:1-3
• Numbers 26:9-11
• 1 Kings 13:1-32
• Luke 10:1-16

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is speaking in Numbers 16:7?

Moses is speaking to Korah and his followers, challenging them to bring their censers before the Lord to prove their claim.

Why does Moses mention 'sons of Levi'?

Moses refers to 'sons of Levi' because Korah and his followers were Levites, and Moses is addressing them directly, reminding them of their role and the boundaries set by God.

What does it mean to be 'holy' in this context?

Being 'holy' here means to be set apart for a special purpose, chosen by God for a specific role, in this case, as a priest.

What is the significance of the fire and incense in this verse?

The fire and incense represent the offering and the means of approach to God, and their use here is a test to determine who God has chosen for a special role.