Numbers 16:13 - Is it a small thing that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, but you must also make yourself a prince over us?

Generated Verse: Numbers 16:13

What does "Numbers 16:13" mean?


This verse, Numbers 16:13, is a scathing rebuke delivered by Dathan and Abiram to Moses during Korah's rebellion. It encapsulates their resentment and accusations against Moses' leadership. Let's break down the meaning:

"Is it a small thing that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey..." This refers to Egypt, which they sarcastically describe as "a land flowing with milk and honey." This is ironic and bitter. They are twisting the phrase that God used to describe the Promised Land to show how worse their life is now.

"...to kill us in the wilderness..." This is an accusation that Moses' leadership is leading them to their deaths in the harsh conditions of the wilderness. They see the journey as a failure and blame Moses for their hardship.

"...but you must also make yourself a prince over us?" This is the core of their complaint. They accuse Moses of not only failing to deliver them to a better place, but also of using his position to elevate himself as a leader, a "prince," wielding power over them. They resent his authority and suspect him of seeking personal gain.

In essence, the verse expresses the following:

Discontent and disillusionment: They are unhappy with their current situation and believe Moses has failed them.
Rejection of Moses' leadership: They no longer trust or respect Moses and question his motives.
Accusation of tyranny: They believe Moses is abusing his power and acting as a self-appointed ruler.
Irony and resentment: They twist God's promise to highlight their perceived misery.

The verse highlights the dangers of resentment and the challenges of leadership. The people are focused on their present hardships and have lost faith in the long-term goal. They are blaming Moses for their problems and accusing him of self-serving ambition. It also demonstrates the importance of trusting in God's plan, even when the journey is difficult.

What categories does "Numbers 16:13" have?