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Book of Numbers - Chapter 16 - Verse 41

16:41
But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD.

Meaning

This verse from the book of Numbers in the Bible describes a moment when the Israelites, after witnessing the death of Korah and his followers due to their rebellion against Moses and Aaron, turned against their leaders and accused them of killing the people of the Lord. The congregation's murmuring shows their lack of faith and trust in God's chosen leaders. This event serves as a warning against the dangers of questioning God's appointed authorities and the consequences of disobedience. It also highlights the importance of remaining faithful and obedient to God's chosen leaders, even in challenging circumstances. The verse reminds readers of the Israelites' tendency to complain and rebel against God's plan, as seen throughout their journey in the wilderness. Through this passage, readers can reflect on the significance of following God's guidance and trusting in His appointed leaders, even when faced with trials and difficulties.

Theological Overview

One possible theological interpretation of the verse, "But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD," highlights the prevalent issue of complaining and lack of faith among the Israelites. The act of murmuring against their leaders, Moses and Aaron, reveals the disbelieving nature of the Israelites despite having witnessed numerous miracles and displays of God's power. By attributing the deaths of some Israelites to Moses and Aaron, the congregation showed a lack of understanding of God's ultimate sovereignty and control over life and death. This verse serves as a cautionary tale against grumbling and questioning God's ordained authorities, and emphasizes the importance of trusting in His divine plan. Word studies in this verse could focus on the meaning of "murmured" in Hebrew, which conveys a sense of discontent and rebelliousness, shedding light on the sinful nature of the Israelites' actions.

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