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Genesis 19:15-22
And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city…

Jeremiah 5:16
Their quiveris as an open sepulchre, theyare all mighty men.

Acts 2:40
And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

that I may

Numbers 16:45
Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces.

Numbers 14:12,15
I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they…

Exodus 32:10
Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.

so that I may consume them
The phrase "consume them" reflects God's judgment and wrath against sin and rebellion. In the Old Testament, God's consuming fire is a symbol of His holiness and justice (Deuteronomy 4:24). This is not the first instance of divine judgment by consumption; similar language is used in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24-25). The severity of this judgment underscores the seriousness of rebellion against God's appointed leaders, Moses and Aaron, and ultimately against God Himself. It serves as a warning to the Israelites and future generations about the consequences of disobedience.

in an instant
The immediacy of the judgment highlights God's sovereign power and the urgency of repentance. The phrase "in an instant" suggests that God's judgment can be swift and unexpected, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance and faithfulness among His people. This immediacy is mirrored in other biblical accounts, such as the sudden judgment on Ananias and Sapphira inActs 5:1-11. It also points to the eschatological theme of the sudden return of Christ, where judgment will come unexpectedly (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3).

God tells Moses and Aaron, “Separate yourselves…” (Numbers 16:21).

• The command is literal: step away from those in rebellion.

• It also models a timeless principle—God’s people must refuse to share in willful sin (2 Corinthians 6:17: “Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord”).

• Like Lot urged to leave Sodom before judgment (Genesis 19:12-13), the righteous are called to distance themselves when judgment is imminent.

The “congregation” is Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and their followers who challenged God-ordained leadership (Numbers 16:3).

• Though Israel is one nation, this faction has set itself against the Lord; holiness requires distinction (Leviticus 20:26).

• Remaining close to defiant companions invites disaster (Proverbs 13:20: “the companion of fools will suffer harm”).

• Paul echoes the lesson: “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Corinthians 15:33).

God’s holiness demands judgment on persistent rebellion.

• He had offered multiple warnings (Numbers 16:5-7, 16-18). Now He declares the verdict.

• Similar language appears after the golden calf: “Now leave Me alone, so that My anger may burn against them and I may destroy them” (Exodus 32:10).

•Hebrews 12:29 reminds believers, “Our God is a consuming fire,” underscoring that divine wrath is neither symbolic nor exaggerated.

The swiftness stresses certainty and severity.

• Judgment will not be gradual; it will be sudden, like the earth swallowing the rebels moments later (Numbers 16:31-33).

• Jesus described comparable suddenness: “For as lightning flashes and lights up the sky… so will the Son of Man be in His day” (Luke 17:24).

• Paul warns, “Destruction will come upon them suddenly… and they will not escape” (1 Thessalonians 5:3).

Numbers 16:21 reveals a pattern: God calls the faithful to step away from deliberate sin so His righteous judgment can fall without harming the innocent. Separation protects the obedient, magnifies God’s holiness, and reminds every generation that rebellion is deadly serious while obedience positions us to witness both His justice and His mercy.