Numbers 16:12-19

How do Dathan and Abiram describe the journey differently?

Berean Standard Bible

12 Then Moses summoned Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, but they said, “We will not come! 13 Is it not enough that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the wilderness? Must you also appoint yourself as ruler over us? 14 Moreover, you have not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey or given us an inheritance of fields and vineyards. Will you gouge out the eyes of these men? No, we will not come!” 15 Then Moses became very angry and said to the LORD, “Do not regard their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them or mistreated a single one of them.” 16 And Moses said to Korah, “You and all your followers are to appear before the LORD tomorrow—you and they and Aaron. 17 Each man is to take his censer, place incense in it, and present it before the LORD—250 censers. You and Aaron are to present your censers as well.” 18 So each man took his censer, put fire and incense in it, and stood with Moses and Aaron at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. 19 When Korah had gathered his whole assembly against them at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the glory of the LORD appeared to the whole congregation.

What is the context?

Dathan and Abiram refuse Moses’ summons. They call Egypt a land flowing with milk and honey and accuse him of bringing them out to die, ruling over them, and failing to give the promised inheritance.

Moses denies exploiting or harming them and appeals to the Lord concerning their offering. The incense bearers then assemble at the Tent of Meeting, and the Lord’s glory appears. Their retelling of Egypt and the journey turns deliverance into an accusation against the deliverer.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley and the USCCB notes read the language about gouging out eyes as an accusation of deception, not a report that Moses has literally blinded these men. The dispute’s language reveals how the rebels interpret the journey and Moses’ role.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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