Numbers 16:2

KJV

And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown:

KJV (with Strong's)

And they rose up {H6965} before {H6440} Moses {H4872}, with certain {H582} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, two hundred {H3967} and fifty {H2572} princes {H5387} of the assembly {H5712}, famous {H7148} in the congregation {H4150}, men {H582} of renown {H8034}:

Complete Jewish Bible

rebelled against Moshe. Siding with them were 250 men of Isra'el, leaders of the community, key members of the council, men of reputation.

Berean Standard Bible

a rebellion against Moses, along with 250 men of Israel renowned as leaders of the congregation and representatives in the assembly.

American Standard Version

and they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the congregation, called to the assembly, men of renown;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 16:2 introduces the formidable scope of the rebellion against Moses and Aaron, detailing the involvement of "two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown." This verse immediately follows the identification of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram as the primary instigators, emphasizing that the challenge to divinely appointed leadership was not merely from a few disgruntled individuals but was a widespread, organized, and highly influential uprising from within Israel's respected leadership class, signaling a profound crisis of authority and faith that threatened the very fabric of the nascent nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately builds upon [Numbers 16:1](/numbers/16-1 "Numbers 16:1 - Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Initiate Rebellion"), which names Korah, Dathan, and Abiram as the key figures initiating the rebellion. Verse 2 then dramatically broadens the scope, revealing the significant number and high status of their co-conspirators. It sets the stage for one of the most severe and direct challenges to Moses' and Aaron's divinely ordained authority during Israel's wilderness journey, culminating in swift and dramatic divine judgment. This incident stands in stark contrast to earlier murmuring and challenges, such as those faced by Moses at [Rephidim](/exodus/17 "Exodus 17 - Water from the Rock") or the complaints of the people in [Numbers 11](/numbers/11 "Numbers 11 - Complaints and Quails"), because it involves established leaders directly questioning God's chosen leadership structure and the very foundations of the theocratic order. The inclusion of the 250 princes elevates the conflict from a personal grievance to a full-blown crisis of national leadership.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, "princes of the assembly" (נְשִׂיאֵי עֵדָה, _nesi'ei edah_) referred to tribal chiefs, heads of families, or prominent elders who held significant social, political, and even judicial standing. These were not common folk but individuals who represented their clans or tribes and participated in crucial communal decisions, often summoned to the "appointed meeting" (מוֹעֵד, _mo'ed_). Their "fame" and "renown" indicated a high degree of public respect and influence, suggesting they were men of considerable experience and wisdom within their respective spheres. The rebellion, therefore, was not a grassroots uprising but a challenge from within the established elite, who likely felt their traditional authority was being overshadowed by Moses' unique prophetic and Aaron's exclusive priestly roles. This context underscores the gravity of the threat, as such prominent figures could sway large segments of the population and destabilize the entire community.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 16:2 introduces and reinforces several critical themes that permeate the chapter and the broader book of [Numbers](/numbers "The Book of Numbers - Wilderness Wanderings"). Central among these is the theme of **rebellion against divine authority**, specifically challenging God's chosen leaders, Moses and Aaron, who served as His direct representatives. The verse highlights the **dangers of ambition and envy**, as these influential men sought to usurp positions not granted to them by God, echoing the desire for power seen in other biblical narratives. It also underscores the **misuse of influence**, demonstrating how respected individuals can lead others astray and sow discord within the community. Furthermore, the incident powerfully illustrates the destructive nature of **internal strife and disunity** within the community of God's people, serving as a cautionary tale against questioning God's established order and the severe consequences of such actions, a theme later referenced in the New Testament, for instance, in [Jude 1:11](/jude/1-11 "Jude 1:11 - The Way of Cain, Balaam, and Korah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Princes (Hebrew, _nâsîyʼ'_):** From H5387, this word properly means "an exalted one," referring to a king, sheik, or chief. In this context, it designates individuals holding positions of significant leadership and representation within the Israelite community, such as tribal heads or prominent elders. Their involvement signifies that the rebellion was a challenge from the very top echelons of Israelite society, not merely from disgruntled commoners, lending it considerable weight and danger.
* **Assembly (Hebrew, _ʻêdâh'_):** From H5712, this term refers to a "stated assemblage," specifically a "concourse" or "congregation." It denotes the organized body of the Israelite community, often gathered for specific purposes. The phrase "princes of the assembly" therefore highlights their formal and recognized role within the collective body of Israel, underscoring their official capacity and the representative nature of their rebellion against Moses.
* **Famous (Hebrew, _qârîyʼ'_):** From H7148, meaning "called" or "select." This word emphasizes that these 250 individuals were not obscure figures but were well-known and highly regarded within the community. They were "called" or "summoned" to important meetings (referring to H4150, _môwʻêd_, "appointed meeting" or "congregation"), indicating their status as recognized participants in significant communal decisions. Their public profile made their defection particularly impactful and dangerous.
* **Renown (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** From H8034, meaning "an appellation" or "name," by implication, "honor, authority, character." This term, used in the phrase "men of renown" (H582, _ʼĕnôwsh_, "men" or "mortals"), further underscores the high standing, influence, and public recognition of these individuals. Their "name" carried weight, signifying their reputation and the respect they commanded among the people. The cumulative description of their status emphasizes the severity and widespread nature of the opposition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they rose up before Moses":** This phrase denotes an act of open defiance, a direct and public confrontation with Moses' authority. It signifies a deliberate and organized rebellion, not a private grievance, indicating a challenge to his leadership in full view of the community. The act of "rising up" implies a posture of opposition and an attempt to usurp power.
* **"with certain of the children of Israel":** This clause clarifies that the rebellion was not limited to Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, nor was it a universal uprising of the entire nation. It highlights that a specific, significant group within the broader Israelite community joined the instigators, emphasizing the selective yet substantial nature of the opposition and indicating a factional division.
* **"two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly":** This precise numerical detail is crucial, emphasizing the sheer scale, organizational aspect, and formidable nature of the rebellion. Two hundred and fifty is a large, round number, suggesting a representative group of influential leaders, possibly from various tribes or families. Their status as "princes" underscores that this was a challenge from within the established leadership, not merely from common people, making it a profound threat to the existing order.
* **"famous in the congregation, men of renown":** These descriptive phrases further elaborate on the high status, public recognition, and widespread influence of the 250 individuals. They were not obscure figures but well-known, respected, and influential members of the community. Their participation lent considerable weight and perceived legitimacy to Korah's cause in the eyes of many Israelites, making the rebellion particularly dangerous and widespread due to their ability to sway public opinion.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 16:2 employs several literary devices to underscore the gravity and formidable nature of the rebellion. **Repetition** and **emphasis** are powerfully evident in the successive descriptions of the 250 individuals: "princes of the assembly," "famous in the congregation," and "men of renown." This cumulative description functions as a form of **climax**, building the picture of their high status, extensive influence, and the serious threat they posed to Moses' leadership. The sheer number, "two hundred and fifty," functions as a form of **numerical emphasis**, highlighting the magnitude of the opposition and the widespread nature of the disaffection among the leadership. The verse also serves as a potent form of **foreshadowing**, hinting at the severe divine judgment that will inevitably follow such a direct and high-level challenge to God's appointed authority. The implicit **contrast** between the divinely ordained, humble leadership of Moses and the ambitious, self-aggrandizing motives of the rebels sets the stage for the profound theological lessons to follow regarding true authority and submission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 16:2 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of authority, rebellion, and divine judgment. The involvement of such prominent figures underscores that sin and rebellion are not confined to the marginalized but can corrupt even those in positions of power and influence. Theologically, this event highlights the absolute nature of God's sovereignty in appointing leadership and the severe consequences of challenging His divine order. It teaches that true authority flows from God, not from human popularity, status, or ambition. The rebellion of Korah and his company is a stark warning against pride, envy, and the desire for power that is not divinely granted, demonstrating how quickly internal strife, especially when fueled by influential individuals, can undermine a community, even one guided by God.

* [Jude 1:11](/jude/1-11 "Jude 1:11 - The Way of Cain, Balaam, and Korah")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Hebrews 13:17](/hebrews/13-17 "Hebrews 13:17 - Obey Your Leaders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Korah's rebellion, particularly the involvement of "princes of the assembly" and "men of renown," offers timeless lessons for believers and communities today. It serves as a powerful reminder that influence, status, and reputation, while often seen as positive attributes, can be dangerously misused when coupled with ambition, envy, or a lack of submission to God-ordained authority. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts: do we genuinely respect the leadership God has placed over us, whether in the church, our families, or society, or do we harbor a critical spirit, secretly desiring their position or questioning their legitimacy? It calls for humility in leadership and in followership, recognizing that true authority comes from God and is often expressed through humble service and obedience. The unity of the body of Christ is paramount, and this narrative starkly illustrates the devastating consequences of division, especially when fueled by pride and a challenge to established order. We are called to be builders of unity, not sowers of discord, always seeking to honor God's design for leadership and community, remembering that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond to authority, especially spiritual authority, in my life? Do I tend to question, submit, or seek to usurp, and what motivates my posture?**
* **In what ways might ambition, envy, or a desire for recognition subtly influence my interactions within my community or church, particularly concerning leadership roles or perceived slights?**
* **What specific role do I play in fostering unity or disunity within the body of Christ, and how can I better support, pray for, and humbly serve alongside my leaders?**

### FAQ
**Why were these "princes" so influential, and why did they join Korah?**

Answer: These "princes of the assembly" were influential because they held significant positions as tribal chiefs, heads of families, or respected elders within the Israelite community. Their "fame" and "renown" meant they had a public profile and commanded respect, making their involvement a serious threat to Moses' authority. They likely joined Korah for a combination of reasons: a desire for greater power or recognition, feeling that their traditional authority was being diminished by Moses' unique prophetic and Aaron's exclusive priestly roles, or perhaps genuine but misguided belief in Korah's assertion that "all the congregation are holy" and therefore everyone should have equal access to priestly functions ([Numbers 16:3](/numbers/16-3 "Numbers 16:3 - Korah's Accusation")). Their status provided a veneer of legitimacy to Korah's rebellion, drawing in many others who might have otherwise hesitated to challenge God's appointed leaders.

**What was the significance of the number 250?**

Answer: The number 250 is significant because it represents a substantial, organized, and formidable group of leaders. It's not just a handful of individuals but a large contingent, possibly symbolizing a representative group of leaders from various tribes or families who joined the rebellion. This large number emphasizes the widespread nature of the disaffection and the gravity of the challenge posed to Moses and Aaron. It underscores that this was a well-supported, high-level conspiracy, not merely a spontaneous outburst from a few disgruntled people. This large group of prominent individuals made the rebellion a significant threat to the stability and order of the entire Israelite camp, necessitating a dramatic divine intervention to re-establish the authority of God's chosen servants.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The rebellion of Korah and the 250 princes, a direct challenge to God's divinely appointed leadership and priestly order, finds its ultimate fulfillment and contrast in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Korah and his company sought to seize authority for themselves, driven by ambition and envy, Christ, though being in very nature God, "did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). He is the true and ultimate High Priest, not appointed by human lineage or ambition, but "after the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Christ, a Priest Forever")), having offered a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for sin that truly grants access to God, unlike the temporary and insufficient sacrifices offered by the Levitical priesthood. The judgment that fell upon Korah and his followers foreshadows the ultimate judgment awaiting those who reject God's chosen King and His authority. Conversely, Christ, the true Son of God, was "given all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")) not through rebellion or self-exaltation, but through perfect obedience, even to death on a cross ([Hebrews 5:8-9](/hebrews/5-8-9 "Hebrews 5:8-9 - Christ Learned Obedience")). He alone holds the keys to life and death, and through Him, believers are granted access to God, becoming a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen People")), a privilege Korah sought to usurp through rebellion, but which is freely given in Christ through grace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 26:9

And the sons of Eliab; Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. This [is that] Dathan and Abiram, [which were] famous in the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against the LORD:

Ezekiel 23:10

These discovered her nakedness: they took her sons and her daughters, and slew her with the sword: and she became famous among women; for they had executed judgment upon her.

Genesis 6:4

¶ There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare [children] to them, the same [became] mighty men which [were] of old, men of renown.

1 Chronicles 5:24

And these [were] the heads of the house of their fathers, even Epher, and Ishi, and Eliel, and Azriel, and Jeremiah, and Hodaviah, and Jahdiel, mighty men of valour, famous men, [and] heads of the house of their fathers.

1 Chronicles 12:30

And of the children of Ephraim twenty thousand and eight hundred, mighty men of valour, famous throughout the house of their fathers.

Ezekiel 16:14

And thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty: for it [was] perfect through my comeliness, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord GOD.

Numbers 1:16

These [were] the renowned of the congregation, princes of the tribes of their fathers, heads of thousands in Israel.