What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 105 - 31/07/26

Led by Tim Clark

In this second part of *What the Bible Says About Rebellion in the Wilderness*, we continue through the book of Numbers and examine two serious challenges to the leadership God had established among His people.

We begin in *Numbers 12*, where Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses. What begins with criticism concerning Moses’ wife soon exposes a deeper problem: jealousy, comparison and pride. Their question — *“Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses?”* — reveals the danger of looking at another person’s calling and becoming dissatisfied with the place God has given us.

The passage also gives us a striking contrast. While Miriam and Aaron compare themselves with Moses, Scripture describes Moses as exceptionally humble. The discussion considers how envy can arise even among believers engaged in ministry, and why comparing ourselves with others rather than measuring ourselves before God can so quickly lead to pride and division.

We then turn to *Numbers 16* and the rebellion of Korah, Dathan and Abiram. Korah and his followers had already been set apart for significant service to God, yet they began to regard their own calling as a small thing and coveted the position given to Moses and Aaron. Their rebellion ultimately was not simply against human leaders, but against the God who had appointed them.

The study asks an important question for Christians today: *Do we recognise the privilege of whatever service God has given us, or do we become preoccupied with what He has given somebody else?* Christian ministry is not about position, recognition or personal advancement. We are servants and vessels, and whatever usefulness we have comes from what God places within us.

Finally, we consider the dramatic conclusion of Numbers 16. As judgment falls upon Israel, Aaron runs into the congregation with the censer and *“stood between the dead and the living; so the plague was stopped.”* This provides a powerful picture of mediation and atonement and points us ultimately toward Christ, the One who stands between sinful humanity and the judgment we deserve.

*Key passages:* Numbers 12:1–16; Numbers 16; 2 Corinthians 10:12–13; Philippians 2:14; James 3:14–17.

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