Old Testament
Numbers 16:15
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Moses was furious. He said to the LORD, "Don't accept their offering. I haven't taken so much as a single donkey from any of them, and I haven't wronged a single one of them."
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And Moses was very wroth, and said unto the LORD, Respect not thou their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them.
What Numbers 16:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Moses expresses his anger to God regarding the rebellion of Korah and his followers. He firmly states that he has not wronged anyone or taken anything from them, emphasizing his integrity as a leader. Moses is concerned that their offerings, which are made in defiance of his leadership, should not be accepted by God. This moment highlights the seriousness of the rebellion against God's appointed leader and the importance of accountability in spiritual leadership. Moses' response shows his commitment to righteousness and his role as an intermediary between the people and God. His refusal to accept any gifts from the rebels underscores his dedication to serving God faithfully without personal gain. This situation serves as a reminder of the consequences of challenging divine authority and the need for leaders to maintain their integrity in the face of opposition.
How to apply Numbers 16:15 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of integrity in leadership. As leaders, we should not seek personal gain or allow ourselves to be swayed by the opinions of others. Instead, we must remain faithful to our responsibilities and uphold our values, even in challenging situations.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Korah's Rebellion (Numbers 16:1–50)
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Moses
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 16:15 mean?
In Numbers 16:15, Moses expresses his anger to God about the rebellion led by Korah. He insists that he has not wronged anyone or taken anything from them, highlighting his integrity as a leader and his commitment to serving God faithfully.
What is the significance of Moses' anger in Numbers 16:15?
Moses' anger in this verse underscores the seriousness of the rebellion against his leadership. It reflects his deep concern for maintaining divine authority and accountability among the people.
What does Moses mean by 'Don't accept their offering' in Numbers 16:15?
When Moses says 'Don't accept their offering,' he is asking God to reject the gifts from Korah and his followers, as they are made in defiance of his leadership. This emphasizes the importance of sincerity and the right motives in offerings to God.
How does Numbers 16:15 relate to leadership integrity?
Numbers 16:15 illustrates the importance of integrity in leadership, as Moses firmly states he has not taken anything from the rebels. It serves as a reminder for leaders to remain faithful and uphold their values, even when faced with opposition.
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