THEOSISTheodoret of Cyrus
What is the significance of the phrase, “Thou shalt not hearken unto their sacrifice” (Num. 16:15)? A contention arose regarding the priesthood, with the disputants, having resolved to present incense, appealing to the Lord God as the arbiter of their conflict. The prophet, troubled by the leaders of the insurrection, pleads with the Judge not to accept the offerings of these unrighteous rebels, calling upon Him to bear witness to his integrity. He states, “Hear not their sacrifice: I will take no lust from them, neither will I spite any man from them" (Num. 16:15). The Judge, however, affirms their actions by His decree, saying, “Depart ... from the midst of this congregation, and I will consume you abije” (Num. 16:21).
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Moses, in his humility, demonstrates his meekness once more. When he finds himself humbled before the Judge, he implores, “O God of spirits and of all flesh, if one man sin, shall the wrath of the Lord be upon the whole assembly?” (Num. 16:22). In response to the prayer of His faithful servant, the compassionate Lord instructs the people to distance themselves from the rebellious ones. He commands the earth to open, causing it to swallow the dissenters and their households, while those who passed through the sea were consumed by the earth. It is no challenge for the Creator to create dry land in the sea or to turn land into the ocean as a form of retribution. He vanquished the Egyptians with water, yet He buried Dathan, Abiron, and their followers beneath the earth's waves, sending them alive to the depths of Sheol, while the followers of Korah were consumed by fire.