Old Testament
Numbers 16:36
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The LORD said to Moses,
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And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
What Numbers 16:36 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 16:36, God speaks directly to Moses, indicating a moment of divine communication. This verse is part of a larger narrative where God addresses the rebellion of Korah and his followers against Moses' leadership. The mention of God speaking to Moses emphasizes the authority and guidance Moses receives from God. It highlights the seriousness of the situation, as God is about to take action against those who oppose His chosen leader. This moment serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the consequences of rebellion against His appointed leaders. The context shows that God is not indifferent to the challenges faced by His servants and is actively involved in the affairs of His people. This verse sets the stage for the unfolding events that demonstrate God's power and justice in dealing with disobedience.
How to apply Numbers 16:36 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the importance of listening to God's guidance in our lives. Just as Moses received direct communication from God, we should seek to understand His will through prayer and scripture. It reminds us to respect the leaders God has placed in our lives and to be cautious of rebellion against His authority.
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 16:36 mean?
Numbers 16:36 shows God speaking directly to Moses, highlighting the importance of divine communication. This moment emphasizes God's authority and the seriousness of the rebellion against Moses, indicating that God is actively involved in addressing disobedience.
How does Numbers 16:36 relate to the theme of rebellion?
In Numbers 16:36, God's communication with Moses highlights the seriousness of the rebellion against his leadership. It serves as a reminder that rebellion against God's appointed leaders has serious consequences.
What lessons can we learn from Numbers 16:36?
From this verse, we learn the importance of listening to God's guidance and respecting the leaders He places in our lives. It also reminds us to be cautious of rebellion against authority.
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