As is typical of many Old Testament passages, we found Numbers 16 quite difficult to understand. To our modern ears it all seems quite theatrical. The power and wrath of God is shown against those who rebel, and his protection is bestowed on the righteous. Themes that run through the passage are trusting in God, His grace and mercy, but it seems hard to read of how seriously God takes people failing to honour or trust Him.
By contrast, it is easier to read in the passages from the Psalms about
God’s power and love. Both Psalms 52 and
53 act as a warning to us not to delight in things that would take us away from
God and they both end with a promise; that trusting in God allows us to
flourish and grow, and that God will restore us to be His people. Psalm
52 v9 particularly speaks to me because of the feeling of optimism is “I will
hope in your name, because your name is good”.
Similarly, Psalm 54 is a prayer which speaks simply into the heart of
our faith, demonstrating not only an awareness of God, but an active and
thriving relationship with God: “You have delivered me from all my troubles,
and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.”
The common thread is to do with trusting in God, but it’s almost like a
glass half empty approach (in Numbers 16) against a glass half full approach
(in Psalms 52-54). Perhaps this makes the former more difficult as it doesn’t
fit with our “comfy” more contemporary view, particularly when we don’t see the
kinds of events described day to day. It’s good to be reminded of God’s power
from time to time!
(member of a homegroup)