Num 16:1-3 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Num 16:1-17:13: 16:1–17:13 Another rebellion called for a clear delineation of the duties of priests and Levites. This power struggle was a more serious challenge than any of the previous rebellions against God’s authority (ch 11 ; 12:1-15 ; 14:1-45 ). As in all of these historical episodes, the coconspirators protested relatively minor issues and questioned the actions of their leaders, but Moses reminded them that they were really rebelling against God. Once again, the Israelites suffered the deadly consequences of their rebellion.

a16:1–17:13►

c12:1-15►

d14:1-45►

fPs 106:16►

gExod 19:6►

‏ Numbers 16:1-3

Summary for Num 16:1-17:13: 16:1–17:13 ^a Another rebellion called for a clear delineation of the duties of priests and Levites. This power struggle was a more serious challenge than any of the previous rebellions against God’s authority (ch 11 ^b; 12:1-15 ^c; 14:1-45 ^d). As in all of these historical episodes, the coconspirators protested relatively minor issues and questioned the actions of their leaders, but Moses reminded them that they were really rebelling against God. Once again, the Israelites suffered the deadly consequences of their rebellion.
16:3 ^e The rebels were “jealous of Moses and envious of Aaron” (Ps 106:16 ^f). They insisted that Moses and Aaron had gone too far because all Israelites were God’s chosen people (Exod 19:6 ^g). Their egalitarian protest against Moses and Aaron’s authority was probably intended to replace that authority with their own.