Mutiny

Numbered Days
Written By Drew Kizer

OPENING THOUGHT

Is order necessary in society? If so, why is there so much distrust toward authority? What happens to our world when it descends into anarchy?

THE READING (Num. 16:1-11, 25-35; 17:1-11)

God set aside the tribe of Levi for service at the tabernacle, but not all Levites were priests. Only the sons of Aaron received this honor (Num. 15:25, 28, 33). Another controversy flared in Numbers 16-17 when this divine arrangement was challenged by Korah and his cohorts.

EXPLORE

Discuss these questions to get a better understanding of the text.

  • Look at the bios of the leaders of the rebellion in 16:1-2. Could their tribes have anything to do with their ambitions?

  • What was Korah’s accusation? (16:3). Was all the congregation holy? (see Ex. 19:6; Num. 15:37-41). But could Korah and the others have confused responsibility for status? (see Num. 3:38).

  • What was Moses’ immediate reaction? (16:4). What do you think he was doing?

  • What happened to the rebels? (16:31-35).

  • What sign did God give the people of the priesthood of Aaron the next day? (17:8-10). Where was it kept? Why do you think God chose this as a sign to confirm the priesthood?

  • What is the overall meaning of this passage?

APPLY

Discuss these questions to envision what it would be like to practically live out this passage.

  • Envy is the only temptation that has no pleasure. Why is it so strong?

  • Why is jealousy over leadership positions so common? Is leadership always rewarding? In the church, are leadership positions supposed to be about status and prestige? (cf. Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:1-2).

  • Why is order necessary? What is God’s order in the home and in the church? (Eph. 5:22-6:4; Heb. 13:7; Phil. 1:1). Do we sometimes struggle to follow it?

  • What is the job of a priest? Who are the priests under the new covenant? (1 Pet. 2:9).

  • How does Jesus serve as our high priest? (Heb. 7:24-27).

Drew Kizer
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