July 27, 2009

Text: Numbers 16

AN EARNEST PRAYER REQUEST

1. Not to destroy the congregation of Israel    Numbers 16:21-22

2. Prayer answered

AN UNRESOLVED PROBLEM

1. The problem of the rebels

2. This problem cannot remain unresolved

GOD'S INITIATIVE

1. Manifestation of the glory of the Lord    Numbers 16:19

2. Instruction given to Moses and Aaron    Numbers 16:20-21

2. Separation from the rebels    Numbers 16:24

ADDRESSING THE CONGREGATION OF ISRAEL

1. Moses with the elders of Israel    Numbers 16:25

2. Dathan and Abiram, Korah (and all his company)    Numbers 16:27

STANDING IN AWE OF DIVINE JUDGMENT

1. Concerning the issue of being sent by the Lord
"By this you shall know that the LORD has sent me to do all these works, for I have not done them of my own will"    Numbers 16:28

a) Sent

b) Works

c) Will of God

2. Punishment from the Lord    Numbers 16:29-30

a) Common

b) Unique (unusual)

3. Interpretation of punishment

a) Understanding desired

    i) For the sake of truth

    ii) For the sake of not sinning against God

b) Knowledge

    i) Doing the Lord's will

    ii) Rejection of the Lord (but cleverly devised)

4. Divine Punishment executed

a) All the men with Korah swallowed up    Numbers 16:31-33

b) Fire from heaven consumed the 250 Levites who offered incense    Numbers 16:35

5. Lessons learned

a) All Israel fled in fear Numbers 16:34

b) Censers to be picked up and made into hammered plates as a covering for the altar Numbers 16:38

c) A sign for Israel    Numbers 16:38d

d) A memorial to warn all who are not from the Aaronic line    Numbers 16:40

6. Lessons not learned

a) The congregation of Israel turned against Moses and Aaron

b) They charged them with killing the people of the Lord    Numbers 26:41

7. The wrath of the Lord

a) Plague    Numbers 16:46

b) Intercession
"And he stood between the dead and the living; so the plague was stopped"    Numbers 16:48

c) Death toll (14,700 besides those who died in the Korah incident)    Numbers 16:49