Bible Strands
Numbers 16:28
Then Moses said, “This is how you will know that the LORD has sent me to do all these things, for it was not my own doing:
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Moses speaks to the Israelites and Korah’s faction at the moment Dathan and Abiram stand at their tent entrances, preparing to witness a divine sign. He addresses them to establish that the forthcoming event will confirm his prophetic commission.
The words — The phrase בְּזֹאת (be-zot) translates literally to "by this" or "by this means," pointing directly to the specific sign Moses is about to describe. The verb תֵּדְעוּן (te-de-u-n) means "you will know," functioning as a future certainty tied to the observed outcome.
The thread — This pattern of divine authentication through a visible sign appears in Exodus 3:12 and Jesus’ statement of obedience in John 6:38. Jeremiah 23:16 contrasts true messengers with false prophets who lack this same authorized commission.
Why it lands — The verse demands verification through observable action rather than personal claims of authority. It requires the reader to recognize that genuine divine sending is validated by outcomes that defy natural expectation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the Lord hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind.
Cross-references
- Exodus 3:12 “I will surely be with you,” God said, “and this will be the sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, all of you will worship God on this mountain.”
- John 6:38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me.
- Jeremiah 23:16 This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.
- Ezekiel 13:17 Now, O son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people who prophesy out of their own imagination. Prophesy against them
- John 5:36 But I have testimony more substantial than that of John. For the works that the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works I am doing—testify about Me that the Father has sent Me.
- John 14:11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me—or at least believe on account of the works themselves.
- Exodus 4:1 Then Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to my voice? For they may say, ‘The LORD has not appeared to you.’”
- Exodus 7:9 “When Pharaoh tells you, ‘Perform a miracle,’ you are to say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,’ and it will become a serpent.”
- Deuteronomy 18:22 When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD and the message does not come to pass or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.
- 1 Kings 18:36 At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and said, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and have done all these things at Your command.