Numbers 16:29

If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; [then] the LORD hath not sent me.

If these men die {H4191} the common death {H4194} of all men {H120}, or if they be visited {H6485} after the visitation {H6486} of all men {H120}; then the LORD {H3068} hath not sent {H7971} me.

if these men die a natural death like other people, only sharing the fate common to all humanity, then ADONAI has not sent me.

If these men die a natural death, or if they suffer the fate of all men, then the LORD has not sent me.

If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then Jehovah hath not sent me.

Commentary

Numbers 16:29 is a pivotal statement by Moses during the intense rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against his God-given leadership and Aaron's priesthood. In this verse, Moses lays out a clear, observable test to validate whether his authority truly comes from the LORD.

Context of Numbers 16:29

This verse is found amidst one of the most dramatic challenges to divine authority in the Old Testament. Korah, a Levite, along with Dathan and Abiram from the tribe of Reuben, gathered 250 prominent men of Israel to accuse Moses and Aaron of exalting themselves above the congregation of the LORD. They questioned Moses's unique position and Aaron's exclusive priestly role. Moses, confident in his divine commission, proposes a direct, supernatural intervention from God as the ultimate proof. His declaration in verse 29 sets the stage for God's immediate and dramatic response to the rebellion, recorded in the following verses.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Authority and Leadership: The primary theme is the source and legitimacy of Moses's leadership. Moses asserts that if he is merely acting on his own accord, then the rebels will die a natural death. However, if he is indeed sent by the LORD, then an extraordinary event will occur.
  • God's Vindication of His Servants: The verse highlights God's commitment to vindicate those He has chosen and sent. Moses's challenge places the burden of proof squarely on God to demonstrate His backing.
  • Consequences of Rebellion: Implicit in Moses's words is the severe nature of defying God's ordained authority. The "visitation" he speaks of is not a common affliction but a unique judgment for an uncommon sin. This foreshadows the earth opening up to swallow the rebels, as detailed in Numbers 16:31-33.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "common death of all men" or "visitation of all men" emphasizes a normal, natural end to life, or even a typical affliction that befalls humanity. The Hebrew word for "visitation" is paqad (ืคึธึผืงึทื“), which can mean to visit, attend to, inspect, or appoint. In this context, it carries the sense of a divine intervention, whether for blessing or judgment. Moses is essentially saying, "If God does not single them out with an extraordinary judgment, then I am a fraud." The expectation is for a non-common visitation, a divine judgment that is undeniably from God.

Practical Application

This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the seriousness of challenging God-ordained authority, whether in ancient Israel or in spiritual leadership today. It teaches us:

  • Respect for Authority: While not all authority figures are perfect, the principle of respecting those in leadership, particularly spiritual leadership, is a recurring biblical theme (e.g., Romans 13:1).
  • Discerning True Authority: God ultimately confirms His true servants. Their fruit, their message, and God's accompanying presence or judgment will ultimately reveal their authenticity.
  • The Gravity of Rebellion: To rebel against God's appointed means to rebel against God Himself. This narrative underscores that such defiance carries severe consequences.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Lamentations 4:22 (3 votes)

    The punishment of thine iniquity is accomplished, O daughter of Zion; he will no more carry thee away into captivity: he will visit thine iniquity, O daughter of Edom; he will discover thy sins.

  • 1 Kings 22:28 (3 votes)

    And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you.

  • 2 Chronicles 18:27 (2 votes)

    And Micaiah said, If thou certainly return in peace, [then] hath not the LORD spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, all ye people.

  • Jeremiah 5:9 (2 votes)

    Shall I not visit for these [things]? saith the LORD: and shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?

  • Isaiah 10:3 (2 votes)

    And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation [which] shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory?

  • Exodus 32:34 (2 votes)

    Therefore now go, lead the people unto [the place] of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine Angel shall go before thee: nevertheless in the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them.

  • Job 35:15 (2 votes)

    But now, because [it is] not [so], he hath visited in his anger; yet he knoweth [it] not in great extremity: