Numbers 16:26

KJV

And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he spake {H1696} unto the congregation {H5712}, saying {H559}, Depart {H5493}, I pray you, from the tents {H168} of these wicked {H7563} men {H582}, and touch {H5060} nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed {H5595} in all their sins {H2403}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There he said to the assembly, "Leave the tents of these wicked men! Don't touch anything that belongs to them, or you may be swept away in all their sins."

Berean Standard Bible

And he warned the congregation, “Move away now from the tents of these wicked men. Do not touch anything that belongs to them, or you will be swept away because of all their sins.”

American Standard Version

And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 16:26 records Moses' urgent, divinely-mandated warning to the Israelite congregation to physically distance themselves from the rebellious faction led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. This pivotal command underscores the immediate and severe danger of complicity or even passive association with open defiance against God's established authority. It serves as a stark call for spiritual and physical separation from wickedness, emphasizing that failure to heed this divine instruction would result in shared judgment and consumption in the rebels' profound sin. The verse highlights God's justice in punishing rebellion while simultaneously extending mercy to those who obey His clear directive to separate.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 16:26 is positioned at the dramatic apex of the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, detailed extensively from [Numbers 16:1](/numbers/16-1 "Numbers 16:1 - The Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram"). This narrative recounts how these prominent Levites and Reubenites, supported by 250 respected leaders, directly challenged the divinely appointed leadership of Moses and the exclusive priestly role of the Aaronic line. Their audacious claim that "all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them" ([Numbers 16:3](/numbers/16-3 "Numbers 16:3 - Korah's Challenge to Moses and Aaron")) was not merely a political coup but a direct affront to God's established order and His chosen servants. Following Moses' fervent intercession and God's declaration of impending, unprecedented judgment, this verse delivers God's final, merciful warning through Moses. It provides a last-minute opportunity for the innocent to separate themselves physically before the earth opens to consume Dathan and Abiram, and fire consumes the 250 incense-bearers, as vividly described in [Numbers 16:31-35](/numbers/16-31-35 "Numbers 16:31-35 - The Earth Swallows the Rebels and Fire Consumes the Incense-Bearers"). The command in verse 26 thus serves as a critical pivot point, distinguishing the faithful from the condemned.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Israelite wilderness encampment, a period characterized by the direct governance of God (theocracy) and the meticulous establishment of His covenant laws, tabernacle worship, and hierarchical leadership structure. In this unique context, rebellion against God's appointed leaders was not merely insubordination but an act of treason against Yahweh Himself, threatening the very foundation of the nascent nation's relationship with its divine King. The concept of holiness was paramount, with strict laws governing ritual purity, moral conduct, and separation from anything deemed unclean or defiling. The instruction to "depart from the tents" and "touch nothing of theirs" underscores the tangible nature of the impending judgment and the Israelite understanding of corporate solidarity. This cultural understanding meant that the actions of a few could bring consequences upon many if proper separation was not maintained, as seen in the aftermath of Achan's sin in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Defeat at Ai"). Moses' urgent command in Numbers 16:26, therefore, highlights the critical importance of immediate, visible separation to avoid sharing in the corporate punishment due to the rebels' profound sin.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 16:26 powerfully articulates several foundational theological and narrative themes crucial to understanding God's character and His dealings with humanity. Firstly, it emphatically demonstrates **divine judgment and justice**, revealing God's unwavering commitment to uphold His sovereign authority and to punish open, defiant rebellion. Simultaneously, it showcases God's **mercy and grace** by providing a clear warning and a way of escape for the innocent, distinguishing them from the guilty. Secondly, the verse highlights the crucial principle of **separation from sin and evil influences**. God's holiness demands that His people not only refrain from sin themselves but also actively distance themselves from those who openly defy Him, lest they become complicit or suffer the consequences of association. This call for separation is a pervasive theme throughout Scripture, from God's command for Israel to be a holy nation distinct from surrounding pagan cultures ([Leviticus 20:26](/leviticus/20-26 "Leviticus 20:26 - Be Holy, for I am Holy")) to the New Testament's call for believers to be set apart from worldly systems and practices ([2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17 - Come Out From Among Them")). Finally, the passage underscores the vital importance of **obedience to God's warnings**, illustrating that heeding divine instruction is essential for preservation, spiritual well-being, and avoiding the destructive consequences of stubborn defiance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Depart (Hebrew, _çûwr'_):** This imperative verb, `סוּרוּ` (sûrû), derived from the root `H5493` (_çûwr_), means "to turn off," "to remove oneself," or "to turn aside." It is a strong, urgent, and immediate command for physical and decisive disassociation. It implies a conscious and deliberate act of separation, emphasizing that passive non-participation is insufficient in the face of imminent divine judgment. The urgency of this command reflects the severe and comprehensive nature of the impending consequences for those who remain associated with the rebels.
* **Wicked (Hebrew, _râshâʻ'_):** The term `רְשָׁעִים` (rĕšāʿîm), the plural form of `H7563` (_râshâʻ_), describes those who are morally wrong, actively hostile to God's law, and deserving of punishment. It signifies a state of ungodliness and guilt. In this specific context, it refers to Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, whose rebellion was not merely a mistake or a minor transgression but a profound, deliberate act of ungodliness and defiance against God's established order and His chosen leadership. Their wickedness was an affront to divine authority itself.
* **Consumed (Hebrew, _çâphâh'_):** The verb `תִּסָּפוּ` (tissāpû), derived from the root `H5595` (_çâphâh_), means "to be swept away," "to be utterly destroyed," or "to perish completely." It conveys the idea of total annihilation or being brought to an end without remnant. This word emphasizes the totality and severity of the judgment—not just punishment, but utter destruction that would encompass anyone associated with the rebels. It powerfully highlights the danger of "guilt by association" in the face of God's righteous wrath, demonstrating that proximity to profound sin could lead to shared catastrophic consequences.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he spake unto the congregation, saying,"**: This introductory clause establishes Moses as the authoritative messenger, delivering a divine communication directly to the entire assembly of Israel. It underscores that the command originates from God Himself, conveyed through His chosen leader, and is universally relevant to all who were present. This was not a private counsel but a public, urgent, and binding declaration.
* **"Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men,"**: This is the core imperative, an urgent command for immediate and decisive physical separation. "Depart" (sûrû) emphasizes the necessity of swift action. The phrase "I pray you" (na') adds a pastoral plea, highlighting Moses' deep concern and desire for the congregation's safety and preservation despite the severity of the situation. "These wicked men" explicitly identifies Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, leaving no ambiguity as to the targets of the warning. The instruction to depart "from the tents" signifies a complete physical removal from their immediate sphere of influence and the impending zone of judgment.
* **"and touch nothing of theirs,"**: This clause further clarifies and intensifies the command for comprehensive separation. "Touch nothing" (al-tigge'û) extends the warning beyond mere physical distance to include any form of contact or association with their possessions, which were now considered defiled and under divine judgment. This emphasizes the thorough and uncompromising nature of the required separation, ensuring no lingering connection, however minor, to the condemned individuals or their belongings.
* **"lest ye be consumed in all their sins."**: This concluding clause states the dire consequence of disobedience and provides the rationale behind the urgent command. "Lest ye be consumed" (pen tissāpû) highlights the imminent danger of perishing alongside the rebels. The phrase "in all their sins" is a powerful expression of corporate judgment, indicating that the congregation's proximity or association, and their failure to separate, would render them liable to share in the punishment for the rebels' profound iniquity. It clarifies that their consumption would be a direct consequence of their failure to distance themselves from the *effects* of the rebels' sins, rather than necessarily committing the same transgressions themselves.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 16:26 is rich in literary devices that amplify its urgent and profound message. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood**, evident in the commands "Depart" and "touch nothing," which conveys the immediate, non-negotiable nature of God's directive. This direct address underscores the imminent peril and the necessity of swift obedience. **Warning** serves as the overarching rhetorical strategy, designed to elicit a specific, life-saving response from the audience. The phrase "lest ye be consumed in all their sins" functions as a powerful **Metonymy**, where "sins" stands in for the "consequences of their sins" or "the judgment due to their sins." This highlights the direct and devastating link between transgression and its outcome. Furthermore, the verse employs **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the imminent and catastrophic divine judgment that will befall the rebels, building suspense and emphasizing the critical decision faced by the congregation. The stark contrast between the "wicked men" and the "congregation" also serves as a form of **Antithesis**, emphasizing the clear distinction God makes between those who are in open rebellion and those who are called to obey and be preserved. The use of "tents" also serves as **Synecdoche**, representing not just physical dwellings but the entire sphere of influence and association of the rebellious individuals.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 16:26 powerfully articulates the profound theological principle that God's absolute holiness demands separation from unrighteousness, especially when sin manifests as blatant and defiant rebellion against His divine order and appointed authority. It reveals God's unyielding justice in punishing sin, but also His profound mercy in providing a clear warning and a way of escape for those who heed His voice. The concept of "guilt by association" is a significant theological truth presented here, teaching that proximity to, or complicity with, open sin can bring one under the same judgment, not necessarily because one committed the identical sin, but because one failed to distance oneself from its defiling influence and impending consequences. This emphasizes individual responsibility to discern God's commands and obey them, even in the face of widespread or influential rebellion, underscoring that obedience is paramount for preservation and spiritual purity.

* [2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17 - Be Separate and Touch No Unclean Thing")
* [Proverbs 1:10](/proverbs/1-10 "Proverbs 1:10 - My Son, If Sinners Entice You")
* [1 Timothy 5:22](/1_timothy/5-22 "1 Timothy 5:22 - Do Not Participate in the Sins of Others")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 16:26 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers navigating a complex world today. Just as the Israelites were commanded to physically depart from the tents of the wicked, we are called to exercise spiritual discernment and actively separate ourselves from influences, associations, and ideologies that are in open rebellion against God's truth, holiness, and righteous standards. This does not necessarily imply physical isolation from all non-believers, as we are called to be salt and light in the world, but rather a conscious refusal to participate in, condone, or be contaminated by sinful practices, philosophies, and ungodly systems that contradict God's Word. It challenges us to critically examine our closest relationships, our media consumption, our cultural engagements, and even our professional environments, asking if they are drawing us closer to God or subtly compromising our walk of faith and spiritual integrity. The verse powerfully reminds us that passive proximity to sin, or a lack of decisive spiritual separation, can be perilous, urging us to take a clear and courageous stand for righteousness and to heed God's warnings, whether delivered through the inspired Scriptures, wise counsel from godly mentors, or the convicting voice of the Holy Spirit, for our ultimate spiritual protection, purity, and flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "tents of wicked men" or ungodly influences, whether overt or subtle, might I need to "depart" from in my life today?**
* **In what ways might I be passively "touching" or inadvertently condoning practices or ideologies that are contrary to God's revealed will?**
* **How does this passage deepen my understanding of the critical importance of spiritual discernment and the company I keep for my spiritual health?**
* **What specific, actionable steps can I take to ensure I am not "consumed in their sins" by association, compromise, or complicity, but rather live a life set apart for God?**

### FAQ
**Why was the judgment against Korah and his company so severe?**

Answer: The judgment against Korah and his company was exceptionally severe because their rebellion was not merely a personal grievance or a minor transgression; it was a direct challenge to God's divinely established authority and the sacred order of the Aaronic priesthood. In a theocracy, where God Himself ruled through His appointed leaders, such an act was tantamount to treason against the Almighty. It fundamentally undermined the very foundation of Israel's covenant relationship with God and threatened to destabilize the entire community. God's swift and dramatic response, as vividly seen in [Numbers 16:31-35](/numbers/16-31-35 "Numbers 16:31-35 - The Earth Swallows the Rebels and Fire Consumes the Incense-Bearers"), served as a powerful, undeniable demonstration of His absolute holiness, His unwavering sovereignty, and the dire consequences of defying His chosen representatives and His divine order. This severity was necessary to instill a profound fear of the Lord and reinforce the sanctity of His commands and institutions among a nascent nation prone to rebellion and forgetfulness.

**Does God still punish people for others' sins today?**

Answer: The concept of "guilt by association" in Numbers 16:26 is specific to a corporate context where individuals were commanded to physically separate themselves from open, defiant rebellion against God's direct, revealed authority. In the New Covenant, the emphasis shifts more strongly to individual accountability before God, as articulated in passages like [Ezekiel 18:20](/ezekiel/18-20 "Ezekiel 18:20 - The Soul Who Sins Shall Die"). However, the principle of the *consequences* of association remains profoundly relevant. While God does not typically open the earth to swallow people for others' sins today, remaining in close fellowship with those who are in open, unrepentant rebellion against God can still lead to spiritual contamination, moral compromise, and shared negative consequences. For instance, being unequally yoked with unbelievers ([2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked with Unbelievers")) or participating in sinful activities can lead to personal spiritual harm, hinder one's walk with God, and even bring about negative earthly repercussions, even if one isn't directly committing the primary offense. The call to separate from ungodly influences and practices remains vital for spiritual purity and protection.

**How do we "depart" from wicked influences in a modern context, given we live in the world?**

Answer: "Departing" from wicked influences in a modern context primarily involves spiritual, moral, and ideological separation, rather than always demanding physical isolation. As believers, we are called to be "in the world but not of the world" ([John 17:15-16](/john/17-15-16 "John 17:15-16 - In the World, Not of the World")). This means discerning and actively disengaging from influences that contradict God's Word and compromise our faith. This includes:
1. **Refusing to participate in or condone sin:** Actively choosing righteousness over ungodliness, even when it is socially unpopular or personally inconvenient.
2. **Guarding our minds and hearts:** Being highly selective about the media we consume, the philosophies we embrace, the entertainment we engage with, and the conversations we participate in, ensuring they align with biblical truth.
3. **Choosing our closest companions wisely:** While we are called to love and witness to all, our intimate friendships and deepest associations should be with those who encourage our spiritual growth and commitment to Christ ([Proverbs 13:20](/proverbs/13-20 "Proverbs 13:20 - Walk with the Wise")).
4. **Taking a courageous stand for truth and righteousness:** Speaking out against injustice and ungodliness when appropriate, rather than remaining silent out of fear, apathy, or a desire for acceptance.
5. **Prioritizing God's Word and community:** Anchoring ourselves in diligent study of Scripture and consistent, healthy Christian fellowship provides the spiritual strength and accountability necessary to resist negative influences and cultivate holiness ([Hebrews 10:24-25](/hebrews/10-24-25 "Hebrews 10:24-25 - Not Neglecting to Meet Together")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 16:26, with its stark command for physical and spiritual separation from the wicked to avoid divine judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram was a rejection of God's divinely appointed mediator, Moses, and His priestly order, serving as a powerful foreshadowing of humanity's far greater rebellion against God's ultimate Mediator and High Priest, Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament command involved physical distancing to avert corporate judgment, Christ's redemptive work provides a spiritual separation and a new, eternal basis for belonging. Jesus Himself is the one who "takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the full weight of the judgment that was due to us, so that those who believe in Him are no longer "consumed in their sins" but are declared righteous and reconciled to God ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from Wrath Through Him")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, believers are "delivered...from the present evil age" ([Galatians 1:4](/galatians/1-4 "Galatians 1:4 - Delivered from the Present Evil Age")) and called to be a holy people, set apart for God's purposes, not primarily by physical distance from all sinners, but by spiritual transformation, moral purity, and a renewed mind ([1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy in All Your Conduct")). The ultimate "departing" from wickedness is found in turning from sin to Christ, who is our refuge, our advocate, and our escape from the wrath to come ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). He calls His followers to be "in the world but not of the world" ([John 17:15-16](/john/17-15-16 "John 17:15-16 - Not of the World")), establishing a new community, the Church, whose separation is primarily spiritual, ethical, and relational, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live righteously amidst a fallen world, shining as lights in the darkness ([Philippians 2:15](/philippians/2-15 "Philippians 2:15 - Shine as Lights in the World")).

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

Isaiah 52:11

Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean [thing]; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD.

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.

2 Corinthians 6:17

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,

Genesis 19:12

¶ And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring [them] out of this place:

Genesis 19:15

¶ And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.

Acts 8:20

But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

Acts 13:51

But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.