Chronological Reading Plan for Mar 1, Num 16-17

Today's readings are Num 16-17. Tomorrow's are Num 18-20.

Korah, a Levite but not a priest, challenges Aaron's position as High Priest and mediator. God has placed Aaron and the Levites between the Tabernacle and the people for a reason. The people can only approach God through their appointed and ordained priest and mediator. Korah and his followers want to take a short cut and go directly before God themselves claiming to be just as holy as the priests. God takes the lives of Korah and those who follow him showing that rejection of God's High Priest comes with a tragic price. The people still grumble about the leaders God has placed over them. Moses intervenes again. Time and again we see the importance of a mediator and advocate between man and God. Still, as we have seen before, there is a price to pay for open rebellion. God sends a plague among the people. Aaron stands between the dead and the living and the plague ceases. Only God’s appointed priest can save His people!

God miraculously shows that Aaron is His chosen Priest by bringing life out of a dead piece of wood. We see that God not only chooses, but resurrects. God can bring life out of a dead piece of wood. If He can do that, He can bring life to His children as well.

As Aaron is vindicated, the priestly line is established once and for all.