“And he spoke to the congregation, saying, ‘Depart now from the tents of these wicked men! Touch nothing of theirs, lest you be consumed in all their sins.’”

Numbers 16:26 (NKJV)

The book of Numbers is full of valuable lessons. During the forty years in the wilderness, the children of Israel tested the LORD, trying His patience. Never had humans seen such visible demonstrations of God. If ever they doubted whether God was with them, all they had to do was to look up at the tabernacle and see the cloudy pillar. God performed mighty miracles to deliver them from Egypt and provided miraculously for them every day. But still they doubted.
 
Now Korah and his associates doubted Moses’ leadership. They didn’t understand why everyone had to do what he said. Didn’t they also hear from the LORD? They accused Moses and Aaron of taking too much on themselves.
 
We are told that Moses was the meekest man on the earth (Numbers 12:3). Rather than becoming defensive, he chose to make the LORD his defense. He knew that neither he nor Aaron took their rolls upon themselves. God called, equipped, and sent them. Tragically, Korah, his friends and the 250 renowned leaders were not content to accept the place God had given them. And their greed would cost them their lives.
 
Once again, the LORD told Moses and Aaron to separate themselves from the congregation, for He would consume them in a moment (v. 21). And once again, Moses and Aaron interceded for the people. Therefore, God told them to separate from the tents of Korah, Dathan and Abiram.
 
There are times when we must separate ourselves from the ungodly. If we do not, then we will be consumed with them. How many people are consumed because they would not separate themselves from sin? Their great potential goes up in smoke.
 
Fortunately, for the congregation, this time they obeyed the LORD and separated themselves from the tents of these ungodly men.
 
Moses proposed a sign by which everyone would know that the LORD had sent him. If the ground opened and swallowed them whole, then everyone would know that these men had rejected the LORD. As soon as Moses spoke these words the ground opened, and these three men, along with their possessions, went down to the pit.
 
What is the lesson? First, know the place to which God has called you. Striving to please God as best you can is good. Striving to take what belongs to someone else is bad. Second, knowing the judgment to come, separate yourself from wickedness, lest you be condemned with the world.

Thanks for reading. I’m glad you’re here. 😊