Numbers 16:21

Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.

Separate {H914} yourselves from among {H8432} this congregation {H5712}, that I may consume {H3615} them in a moment {H7281}.

"Separate yourselves from this assembly; I'm going to destroy them right now!"

“Separate yourselves from this congregation so that I may consume them in an instant.”

Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.

Commentary

Numbers 16:21 (KJV): "Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment."

Context

This verse comes during the intense period of rebellion led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron's leadership and the divine authority vested in them. Korah, a Levite, along with Reubenites Dathan and Abiram, and 250 princes of the congregation, challenged Moses and Aaron, claiming the entire congregation was holy and questioning why they elevated themselves above the assembly (Numbers 16:3). God's immediate response, as seen in verse 21, is one of fierce anger and a desire to swiftly destroy the entire rebellious group. Moses and Aaron, however, fell on their faces and interceded for the congregation, asking if God would be angry with everyone because of the sin of a few (Numbers 16:22).

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: This verse starkly illustrates God's righteous wrath and readiness to judge sin and rebellion, especially rebellion against His appointed authority and holiness.
  • Separation: God commands Moses and Aaron (and by extension, those who are loyal) to separate themselves from the rebellious group, emphasizing that association with sin can bring one under the same judgment. This highlights the importance of separation from ungodly influences and actions.
  • Holiness of God: The severity of God's reaction underscores His absolute holiness and His intolerance for sin and presumption within His covenant community.
  • Swiftness of Wrath: The phrase "in a moment" indicates the sudden and devastating nature of God's potential judgment if not averted.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "separate yourselves" (badal) means to divide, distinguish, or set apart. It is the same root word used in the creation account for separating light from darkness or waters from waters, and often used for setting things apart for sacred use or separating from uncleanness. The word for "consume" (kalah) implies utter destruction or completion, often used in contexts of God's judgment bringing things to an end.

Reflection

Numbers 16:21 serves as a powerful reminder of the seriousness of sin and rebellion in God's eyes. It shows that God does not take challenges to His authority or the authority He delegates lightly. The command to "separate yourselves" is a principle echoed throughout Scripture: believers are called to be distinct from the world and its sin (James 4:4). While Moses and Aaron's intercession temporarily stayed the full wrath on the entire congregation, the subsequent judgment on the rebels themselves was severe. This verse prompts us to consider our own alignment – are we aligned with God and His ways, or are we susceptible to rebellious attitudes that could lead to divine discipline?

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 32:10

    Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.

  • Numbers 16:45

    Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces.

  • Psalms 73:19

    How are they [brought] into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.

  • Exodus 33:5

    For the LORD had said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye [are] a stiffnecked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee.

  • Revelation 18:4

    And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

  • Acts 2:40

    And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

  • Numbers 14:12

    I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they.
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