1 Corinthians 10:10 And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.
1 Corinthians 10:1–13 describes how the generation of Israelites who escaped from Egypt was blessed by God and yet continually grumbled and complained and fell back into sinful habits. God severely punished many of them, including the fate of wandering the desert until death. Paul wanted the Corinthians and God wants us to read their example as a warning to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did (1 Corinthians 10:6).
In 1 Corinthians 10:10 Paul presents one final example of God’s fatal discipline on some of His people for their sin. In the previous verse, Paul referenced a time when people tested God by complaining about His path for their lives. In that case it was a literal, physical path, brought on by venomous snakes (1 Corinthians 10:9). The example in verse 10, though, comes across more like a mutiny against Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16). The number of those who died in the resulting plague was 14,700.
Perhaps this example felt more personal to Paul as the founder and a spiritual leader of the church in Corinth. Did he mean for the Corinthians to connect Israel’s grumbling against Moses with their possible dissatisfaction with him? Some balk at the idea that Paul would react in such a way to those who challenged his authority. And yet, his commitment to the truth (Galatians 1:8–9) and his position (1 Corinthians 9:1–2) make that a reasonable possibility.
Such details aside, Paul, inspired by God, sought to raise awareness that the God who loves us and sent His Son to die for us will also step into our lives with painful discipline if we refuse to repent and choose to continue in willful disobedience. The fact that Israel was God’s “chosen people” did not grant them immunity from the consequences of their willful disobedience.
This Sunday we will look closely at Numbers 16-17. In our Bible Study on 1 Corinthians we will look specifically at 1 Corinthians 10:10 in which Paul, inspired by God, is likely referencing Korah’s rebellion in Numbers 16. The sermon this week will focus on Numbers 17 which was God’s response to the grumbling and complaining in Numbers 16 that led to open rebellion against God’s chosen leaders.
Praying everyone has a great week!
In Christ,
Gary T.