Numbers 16:10

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And he hath brought thee near [to him], and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also?

Complete Jewish Bible:

He has brought you close and all your brothers the sons of Levi with you. Now you want the office of cohen too!

Berean Standard Bible:

He has brought you near, you and all your fellow Levites, but you are seeking the priesthood as well.

American Standard Version:

and that he hath brought thee near, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee? and seek ye the priesthood also?

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And he hath brought thee near^{H7126} to him, and all thy brethren^{H251} the sons^{H1121} of Levi^{H3878} with thee: and seek^{H1245} ye the priesthood^{H3550} also?

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Commentary for Numbers 16:10

Numbers 16:10 is a verse that captures a moment of challenge and dissent within the Israelite community during their wilderness journey after the Exodus from Egypt. The historical context is the period of the Israelites' wandering in the Sinai Peninsula, where they are organizing their society according to the laws and structures given by God through Moses.

In this verse, Moses is addressing Korah, a Levite, who along with other Reubenites, has come to challenge Moses' leadership and the privileged position of Aaron, Moses' brother, as the high priest. The theme of this verse is the divine authority and the distribution of roles within the Israelite community, particularly the priesthood.

The verse specifically highlights God's selection of Moses and Aaron for their roles. Moses reminds Korah that it is God who has elevated him and his fellow Levites to serve in the Tabernacle, a role that brought them closer to the divine presence than other Israelites. Moses questions Korah's motives, asking if, in addition to this honor, he now also seeks the priesthood, which has been conferred upon Aaron and his sons.

This confrontation underscores the tension between human ambition and divine appointment, a recurring theme in the Bible. It also reflects the importance of respecting the roles and hierarchy established by God, as well as the consequences of challenging divine authority. The immediate context of Numbers 16:10 is a prelude to a significant rebellion that results in divine judgment, emphasizing the gravity of questioning God's chosen leaders and the order He has established. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of humility, obedience, and trust in God's wisdom in appointing leaders.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H7126
   There are 259 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קָרַב
   Transliteration: qârab
   Pronunciation: kaw-rab'
   Description: a primitive root; to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose; (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take.
   
2. Strong's Number: H251
   There are 636 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָח
   Transliteration: ʼâch
   Pronunciation: awkh
   Description: a primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance (like father)); another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'.
   
3. Strong's Number: H1121
   There are 3654 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בֵּן
   Transliteration: bên
   Pronunciation: bane
   Description: from בָּנָה; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.); [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth.
   
4. Strong's Number: H3878
   There are 61 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: לֵוִי
   Transliteration: Lêvîy
   Pronunciation: lay-vee'
   Description: from לָוָה; attached; Levi, a son of Jacob; Levi. See also לֵוִי, לֵוִיִּי.
   
5. Strong's Number: H1245
   There are 215 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בָּקַשׁ
   Transliteration: bâqash
   Pronunciation: baw-kash'
   Description: a primitive root; to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after; ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for).
   
6. Strong's Number: H3550
   There are 12 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כְּהֻנָּה
   Transliteration: kᵉhunnâh
   Pronunciation: keh-hoon-naw'
   Description: from כָּהַן; priesthood; priesthood, priest's office.