The people are ordered by the Lord to make fringes on the borders of their garments. The Jews
were distinguished from their neighbours in their dress, as well as in their diet, and thus taught not
to be conformed to the way of the heathen in other things. They proclaimed themselves Jews
wherever they were, as not ashamed of God and his law. The fringes were not appointed for trimming
and adorning their clothes, but to stir up their minds by way of remembrance, 2Pe 3:1. If they were
tempted to sin, the fringe would warn them not to break God's commandments. We should use
every means of refreshing our memories with the truths and precepts of God's word, to strengthen
and quicken our obedience, and arm our minds against temptation. Be holy unto your God; cleansed
from sin, and sincerely devoted to his service; and that great reason for all the commandments is
again and again repeated, “I am the Lord your God.”
Chapter 16
Chapter Outline
The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram (1–11)
Korah contends for the priesthood.
Disobedience of Dathan and Abiram. (12–15)
The glory of the Lord appears, The (16–22)
intercession of Moses and Aaron.
The earth swallows up Dathan and Abiram. (23–34)
The company of Korah consumed. (35–40)
The people murmur A plague sent. (41–50)Verses 1–11
Pride and ambition occasion a great deal of mischief both in churches and states. The rebels
quarrel with the settlement of the priesthood upon Aaron and his family. Small reason they had to
boast of the people's purity, or of God's favour, as the people had been so often and so lately polluted
with sin, and were now under the marks of God's displeasure. They unjustly charge Moses and
Aaron with taking honour to themselves; whereas they were called of God to it. See here, 1. What
spirit levellers are of; those who resist the powers God has set over them. 2. What usage they have
been serviceable. Moses sought instruction from God. The heart of the wise studies to answer, and
asks counsel of God. Moses shows their privileges as Levites, and convicts them of the sin of
undervaluing these privileges. It will help to keep us from envying those above us, duly to consider
how many there are below us.
Verses 12–15
Moses summoned Dathan and Abiram to bring their complaints; but they would not obey. They
bring very false charges against Moses. Those often fall under the heaviest censures, who in truth