Numbers 16 is a fascinating anatomy of a rebellion and a sober account of judgement. It holds so much that is worthy of prolonged reflection, but I just want to point to one aspect here: the heart of Moses (& Aaron) for the people who sinned.
The rebellion was a personal slight on Moses and he was rightly angered (v.15) by the refusal of Dathan and Abiram to face the issue they had created. Yet on two occasions here, Moses pleads for God to be merciful (v.22 & v.45) and directs Aaron to make atonement for the people.
When he could be indignant with the community's repeated arrogance and folly, he places their security above his own feelings of betrayal and justice.
In that, he is clearly a (pale) reflection of what Jesus would himself do, especially when he prays that the Father forgive his enemies, who knew not what they were doing. But he is also a model for all leaders whose service is undermined and challenged.
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