Sometimes the right decisions are the easiest to see and the most difficult to make. In the case of Korah’s rebellion, many of the people at that time recognized the ease of making the right decision. The person who understood and saw God’s impending judgment knew that the only proper solution was the one offered by the Lord—separate from the tents of the rebels. The proper solution was also quite easy to perform. However, there were many family members of these men involved in the rebellion who had to make a difficult choice. The solution was made known unto them, the details were clear, but their choices were not easy. Why? The right decision involved walking away from a father and family whom they may have loved dearly. According to the psalms, at least some of the sons of Korah chose to do the right thing and separate from their family.
Many people view meekness as an inherent weakness, yet the Bible corrects this faulty notion. The ability to demonstrate meekness in a time of ridicule or persecution displays strength. Today's passage reveals that a man slow to anger is “better than the mighty.” In fact, a man that “ruleth his spirit” is better than a military conqueror who “taketh a city.” Rather than a weakness, the ability to demonstrate meekness is a sign of great strength. The Bible declares that the Lord Jesus Christ was meek (Matthew 11:29); yet He simultaneously held the world together “by the word of His power” (Hebrews 1:3). We see that God referred to Moses as meek, yet he had the power through the Lord to part the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21) and to open the earth and swallow his enemies (Numbers 16:28-34). Weak individuals respond in anger when attacked; those who are strong exercise meekness.
The Bible reveals many instances of Moses coming under attack for trying to obey God while leading others through the wilderness. His consistent response reveals why God said that he was meeker than any man upon the face of the earth. The vast majority of times, Moses responded to others in the spirit of gentleness. Today's passage reveals one such episode when Aaron and Miriam verbally attacked Moses for marrying an Ethiopian woman. Moses did not respond to their criticisms but instead pleaded for their well-being after the Lord brought judgment upon them. This was not the only instance of a personal attack upon Moses. In fact, it is quite common for God's messengers to be attacked when acting as a spiritual leader of others. Yet, Moses' recurring response is found in Numbers 16:4, “And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face.” Consistently, Moses prayed on the behalf of his accusers.
