Numbers 16:28

KJV

And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for [I have] not [done them] of mine own mind.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} said {H559}, Hereby ye shall know {H3045} that the LORD {H3068} hath sent {H7971} me to do {H6213} all these works {H4639}; for I have not done them of mine own mind {H3820}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe said, "Here is how you will know that ADONAI has sent me to do all these things and that I haven't done them out of my own ambition:

Berean Standard Bible

Then Moses said, “This is how you will know that the LORD has sent me to do all these things, for it was not my own doing:

American Standard Version

And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that Jehovah hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 16:28 captures Moses' definitive declaration of divine commission amidst the intense rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. Faced with accusations of self-exaltation, Moses asserts that his authority and every action he has undertaken are not products of his personal ambition or will, but are directly mandated and empowered by the LORD. This statement serves as a crucial prelude to God's dramatic and irrefutable vindication of His chosen servant, establishing the true source of legitimate leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement uttered by Moses immediately preceding God's catastrophic judgment upon the rebellious faction led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. The preceding narrative details the challenge to Moses and Aaron's divinely appointed leadership, with the rebels accusing Moses of exalting himself above the congregation, as seen in [Numbers 16:3](/numbers/16-3 "Numbers 16:3 - Korah's Accusation"). Moses, deeply distressed by this affront to God's chosen order, proposes a definitive test: if the rebels die a common death, then the LORD has not sent him; but if the earth supernaturally opens and swallows them, it will be clear that they have provoked the LORD, a prophecy found in [Numbers 16:28-30](/numbers/16-28-30 "Numbers 16:28-30 - Moses' Prophecy of Judgment"). Moses' declaration in verse 28 thus functions as his final, solemn assertion of divine authorization before the impending, undeniable demonstration of God's power and vindication.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the wilderness encampment of the Israelites, a period marked by divine provision, but also by frequent murmuring and rebellion against God and His appointed leaders. The challenge by Korah, a Levite, and Dathan and Abiram, from the tribe of Reuben, was particularly audacious. Korah, being a Levite, already had a privileged role in tabernacle service, yet he coveted the priesthood of Aaron. Dathan and Abiram, as Reubenites, resented their subordinate tribal position. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, challenging a leader often implied challenging the deity who appointed them. Moses' role as God's mediator and the sole conduit for divine revelation was foundational to Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. This rebellion, therefore, was not merely a political coup attempt but a direct assault on the divinely established order for the entire nation, threatening the very structure of their communal and religious life.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 16:28 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Central is the theme of **Divine Authority vs. Human Ambition**: Moses' declaration unequivocally states that his leadership stems entirely from God's commission, not from personal desire or self-aggrandizement. This directly refutes the rebels' accusations and underscores the true source of legitimate spiritual authority in Israel. Another key theme is the **Proof of God's Sending**: Moses explicitly states that the miraculous judgment about to unfold will serve as irrefutable evidence that he is indeed God's messenger, leaving no doubt about the divine origin of his mission. This highlights God's commitment to vindicating His chosen servants. Furthermore, the verse implicitly reinforces the theme of **Obedience and Humility** in leadership; Moses consistently portrays himself as a humble instrument of God's will, emphasizing his obedience rather than any personal merit or power. Finally, while not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader narrative powerfully illustrates the **Consequences of Rebellion** against God's appointed order and His chosen servants, as seen in the immediate judgment that follows in [Numbers 16:32-35](/numbers/16-32-35 "Numbers 16:32-35 - The Earth Swallows the Rebels").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sent (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** This verb (H7971) signifies a divine commission, an authoritative dispatching with a specific purpose. When Moses states "the LORD hath sent me," he is asserting that his entire mission, his very presence as leader, and all his actions are not self-initiated but are the direct result of God's sovereign will and command. This term underscores the divine origin of his authority, distinguishing it sharply from any human claim to power and highlighting his role as a divinely appointed messenger.
* **Works (Hebrew, _maʻăseh'_):** This noun (H4639) refers to deeds, actions, or accomplishments. In this context, "all these works" encompasses the entirety of Moses' leadership: the miracles he performed, the laws he delivered, the judgments he pronounced, and the decisions he made concerning the people. Moses is claiming that every aspect of his ministry, not just his initial call, is a direct manifestation of God's will and power, not his own personal endeavor or initiative.
* **Mind (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** This noun (H3820), often translated as "heart," is used figuratively to represent the feelings, will, and intellect. The phrase "of mine own mind" (literally "from my heart" or "from my own will") denotes acting on one's own initiative, personal desire, independent thought, or human reasoning, rather than by divine instruction or inspiration. Moses emphatically denies that his actions are products of his personal ambition, wisdom, or self-interest, thereby emphasizing his role as a faithful mediator and conduit for God's directives.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know":** This opening clause sets the stage for a definitive revelation. "Hereby" points to the impending, extraordinary event—the earth opening up—as the irrefutable evidence. Moses is calling for attention to a divine demonstration that will serve as an unmistakable sign, leaving no room for doubt about the validity of his claims and the source of his authority.
* **"that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works;":** This is the core assertion of Moses' divine commission. He is not merely claiming to be God's prophet but God's agent, specifically sent and empowered to execute "all these works"—referring to the entirety of his leadership, including the judgments and directives he has issued. This statement directly counters the rebels' accusation that he has taken too much authority upon himself.
* **"for [I have] not [done them] of mine own mind.":** This concluding clause provides the crucial negative proof. Moses explicitly denies any self-motivation or human initiative behind his actions. His leadership is not a result of personal ambition, human wisdom, or a desire for power, but a direct, obedient response to God's explicit commands. This emphasizes his role as a faithful servant and distinguishes divinely appointed authority from self-proclaimed leadership.

#### Literary Devices
Moses' declaration in Numbers 16:28 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, directly contrasting "the LORD hath sent me" with "not [done them] of mine own mind." This stark opposition highlights the divine origin of Moses' authority against any human claim or self-will. The verse also functions as a **Prophetic Declaration**, as Moses speaks with divine authority, foretelling the manner by which his legitimacy will be confirmed. This declaration serves as a **Vindication** of Moses, laying the groundwork for God's immediate and dramatic demonstration of support. Furthermore, the statement carries significant **Irony**, as the very act of challenging Moses' authority leads directly to the most undeniable proof of its divine source, turning the rebels' accusations into the catalyst for their own undoing and Moses' confirmation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 16:28 is a profound theological statement on the nature of true spiritual authority and divine appointment. It underscores that legitimate leadership within God's covenant community does not arise from human ambition, popular vote, or personal charisma, but solely from God's sovereign choice and commission. Moses' declaration serves as a timeless principle: those who genuinely lead God's people are instruments of His will, not independent agents. Their actions, though carried out by human hands, are ultimately God's "works." This verse also highlights God's commitment to vindicating His chosen servants against false accusations and rebellion, demonstrating that challenging God's appointed leader is, in essence, challenging God Himself. The dramatic judgment that follows this declaration is God's emphatic "Amen" to Moses' claim, solidifying the sanctity of His established order and the seriousness of rebellion.

* [Hebrews 5:4](/hebrews/5-4 "Hebrews 5:4 - No One Takes This Honor on Himself")
* [John 7:16](/john/7-16 "John 7:16 - Jesus' Teaching is Not His Own")
* [Deuteronomy 18:21-22](/deuteronomy/18-21-22 "Deuteronomy 18:21-22 - How to Discern a Prophet")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Moses' declaration in Numbers 16:28 offers profound insights for believers today, particularly concerning leadership, obedience, and discerning truth. It challenges us to examine the source of our own actions and motivations: are we operating "of our own mind," driven by personal ambition, ego, or human wisdom, or are we genuinely seeking to be sent by the LORD, acting in humble obedience to His revealed will? True spiritual authority, whether in personal discipleship, family leadership, or church ministry, flows from a deep submission to God's purpose, not from self-promotion. This verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of humility, recognizing that any good "works" we accomplish are ultimately God's doing through us. It also serves as a sober reminder of the seriousness of challenging legitimate, God-ordained authority, urging us to pray for and respect those whom God has placed in positions of leadership, while also discerning their actions against the standard of God's Word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I discern whether my decisions and actions are "of my own mind" or truly aligned with God's will and leading?**
* **What does Moses' emphasis on being "sent by the LORD" teach me about the nature of authentic leadership in any sphere of life?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to act "of my own mind" rather than in humble obedience to God's commands?**
* **How does the vindication of Moses in this chapter encourage me to trust God's timing and methods for confirming His truth and His servants?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary accusation Korah and his followers made against Moses and Aaron?**

Answer: Korah and his faction accused Moses and Aaron of taking too much authority upon themselves, claiming that all the congregation of Israel was holy, and therefore, there was no need for Moses and Aaron to exalt themselves above the assembly of the LORD, as recorded in [Numbers 16:3](/numbers/16-3 "Numbers 16:3 - Korah's Accusation"). They essentially challenged the divinely ordained distinction between the general congregation and the specific, consecrated roles of the priesthood and Mosaic leadership.

**How did God definitively confirm Moses' authority after this declaration?**

Answer: Immediately following Moses' declaration, God performed an unprecedented miracle. The ground beneath Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, along with their families and possessions, opened up and swallowed them alive, sending them down to Sheol, as detailed in [Numbers 16:31-33](/numbers/16-31-33 "Numbers 16:31-33 - The Earth Swallows Them"). Additionally, a fire from the LORD consumed the 250 men who were offering unauthorized incense with Korah, as described in [Numbers 16:35](/numbers/16-35 "Numbers 16:35 - Fire Consumes the Incense Offerers"). These dramatic judgments served as irrefutable proof that Moses was indeed sent by the LORD and that the rebellion was against God Himself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 16:28, with Moses' emphatic declaration that he acted not "of mine own mind" but as one "sent by the LORD," powerfully foreshadows the perfect obedience and divine commission of Jesus Christ. Just as Moses' authority was challenged by those who misunderstood his divine mandate, so too was Christ's authority questioned by the religious leaders of His day. Yet, Jesus consistently affirmed that His words and works were not His own, but those of the Father who sent Him. He declared, "I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge... for I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me," as recorded in [John 5:30](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus Seeks the Father's Will"). Again, in [John 8:28](/john/8-28 "John 8:28 - Jesus Does Nothing on His Own"), Jesus states, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me." Moses' vindication through divine judgment finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's resurrection, which is God's supreme vindication of His Son's perfect obedience and divine identity, proving that He was indeed the Messiah, the one truly "sent by the LORD" to accomplish the ultimate "works" of salvation, as seen in [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Him Up") and [Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8-11 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation").

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

Exodus 3:12

And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this [shall be] a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.

John 6:38

For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

John 5:36

But I have greater witness than [that] of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.

Ezekiel 13:17

¶ Likewise, thou son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, which prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy thou against them,

Jeremiah 23:16

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, [and] not out of the mouth of the LORD.

Deuteronomy 18:22

When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that [is] the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, [but] the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.

1 Kings 18:36

And it came to pass at [the time of] the offering of the [evening] sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou [art] God in Israel, and [that] I [am] thy servant, and [that] I have done all these things at thy word.