King James Version
What Does Numbers 16:25 Mean?
“And Moses rose up and went unto Dathan and Abiram; and the elders of Israel followed him.”
Numbers 16:25 · KJV
Context
23
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
24
Speak unto the congregation, saying, Get you up from about the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.
25
And Moses rose up and went unto Dathan and Abiram; and the elders of Israel followed him.
26
And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.
27
So they gat up from the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side: and Dathan and Abiram came out, and stood in the door of their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and their little children.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd Moses rose up and went unto Dathan and Abiram—Moses takes initiative, personally confronting the Reubenite rebels despite their earlier disrespect (v. 12-14: 'we will not come up'). His willingness to go to them shows pastoral courage—he doesn't wait for them to repent but seeks them out. The verb qum (קוּם, rose up) often signals decisive action; and the elders of Israel followed him means the tribal leaders witness this final confrontation.
This creates public accountability: the ziqnei Yisrael (זִקְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, elders) serve as witnesses to both Moses's humble entreaty and the rebels' final refusal. Moses doesn't hide behind authority but puts himself at risk—approaching those who despise him. Christ's pattern: 'But I say unto you, Love your enemies' (Matthew 5:44). Leadership isn't pulling rank but pursuing the wayward.
This creates public accountability: the ziqnei Yisrael (זִקְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, elders) serve as witnesses to both Moses's humble entreaty and the rebels' final refusal. Moses doesn't hide behind authority but puts himself at risk—approaching those who despise him. Christ's pattern: 'But I say unto you, Love your enemies' (Matthew 5:44). Leadership isn't pulling rank but pursuing the wayward.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The elders were tribal representatives, distinct from the 250 rebel leaders. Their presence validates Moses's actions—this isn't personal vendetta but judicial process. In ancient Near Eastern culture, elders served as legal witnesses; their following Moses creates a 'court' before which Dathan and Abiram can repent or face judgment.
Reflection Questions
- When has God called you to pursue someone who rejected you, risking further humiliation for the sake of their restoration?
- How does Moses's 'going to them' model servant leadership contrary to our instinct to demand opponents come to us?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsוַיָּ֣קָם1 of 10
“rose up”
H6965to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
אַֽחֲרָ֖יו8 of 10
“him”
H310properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃10 of 10
“of Israel”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Numbers 16:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Numbers 16:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge