Numbers 16: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Numbers 16 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and others oppose Moses and Aaron, claiming that all the congregation is holy (vv. 1-3). Moses falls on his face and instructs them to prepare censers for a test to determine whom Yahweh will choose (vv.

Key verse

“The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households, all of Korah’s men, and all their goods.”
Numbers 16:32 (WEB)

Outline

Numbers 16:1–3 Korah's Rebellion Against Moses
Numbers 16:4–11 Moses Appeals to God
Numbers 16:12–22 Dathan and Abiram Refuse
Numbers 16:23–30 God's Command to Separate
Numbers 16:31–35 Judgment on the Rebels
Numbers 16:36–40 Censers as a Memorial
Numbers 16:41–50 The Congregation Murmurs Again

Discussion questions

In v3, what do Korah and his company accuse Moses of doing to the congregation?
What does Moses do in v4 when he hears the assembly's challenge?
Moses’ statement in vv. 28-30 about the new thing: what does it indicate about divine authority?
In v15, why does Moses ask Yahweh not to respect the offering of the rebels?
When have you felt misunderstood like Moses in v12, leading to a refusal to engage?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Numbers 16: 2 Timothy 2, Numbers 14, 2 Corinthians 6.

Before next time: read Numbers 17.