Numbers 16:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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?

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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 16:10 encapsulates Moses' direct and impassioned confrontation with Korah, a prominent Levite, who, along with Dathan, Abiram, and 250 Israelite leaders, mounted a significant challenge to the divinely instituted leadership of Moses and Aaron. This verse precisely articulates the core of Korah's audacious transgression: his profound discontentment with the immense privilege God had already bestowed upon him and his fellow Levites, leading him to presumptuously covet the exclusive office of the Aaronic priesthood.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 16:10 is embedded within the climactic narrative of Korah's rebellion, a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey. The preceding verses (Numbers 16:1-9) detail Korah's initial challenge, accusing Moses and Aaron of exalting themselves above the "whole congregation," whom they claimed were "holy, every one of them." Moses' response in Numbers 16:5-7 sets up a divine test to determine God's chosen leaders. Verse 10, therefore, serves as Moses' direct, rhetorical question to Korah, exposing the true nature of his ambition: not merely equality, but usurpation of the highest priestly office. This confrontation immediately precedes God's dramatic judgment upon the rebels, where the earth swallows Dathan and Abiram, and fire consumes the 250 leaders who offered incense, culminating in a plague that kills 14,700 people (Numbers 16:31-35, 41-49). The entire chapter underscores the gravity of challenging God's appointed authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the wilderness wanderings, a period following the Exodus and the giving of the Law at Sinai, characterized by Israel's formation as a nation under God's direct governance. The Tabernacle stood as the central locus of God's presence, and its intricate service was meticulously ordered by divine command. God had specifically consecrated the entire tribe of Levi for service within the Tabernacle, granting them the unique privilege of "being brought near" to God's presence to assist the priests in their duties, including carrying the sacred vessels and maintaining the sanctuary (Numbers 3:5-10). However, the high office of the priesthood, with its exclusive right to offer sacrifices, enter the Holy Place, and minister before the altar, was strictly reserved for Aaron and his direct descendants, as explicitly commanded in [Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons") and [Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - Aaron and His Sons Appointed Priests"). Korah, being a Levite of the Kohathite clan, already held a significant, sacred role, but his rebellion stemmed from a desire to transgress these divinely established boundaries, seeking a role not granted to him.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Divine Appointment and Authority**, emphasizing that spiritual leadership and sacred service are not humanly chosen or self-appointed but divinely ordained. Moses' rhetorical question underscores that Korah's Levitical role was a direct gift from God, a privilege to be stewarded, not a stepping stone for personal ambition. Secondly, the verse exposes the destructive nature of **Discontentment and Unholy Ambition**. Korah's inability to be satisfied with his honorable and vital Levitical service, coupled with his coveting of the priesthood, serves as a stark warning against pride and a lack of humility in God's perfect arrangement. This resonates with broader biblical warnings against [covetousness](/exodus/20-17 "Exodus 20:17 - The Tenth Commandment") and the importance of [godliness with contentment](/1_timothy/6-6 "1 Timothy 6:6 - Godliness with Contentment"). Finally, it reinforces the crucial theme of **Respect for God's Established Order and Holiness**. Korah's rebellion was not merely against Moses and Aaron, but ultimately against God Himself, who instituted the distinct roles for Levites and priests. The severe consequences that follow in [Numbers 16:32-35](/numbers/16-32 "Numbers 16:32-35 - The Earth Swallows Korah, Dathan, and Abiram") underscore the sanctity of God's commands and the danger of presuming upon His holiness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **בָּא֙ (Hebrew, _bā’_):** This is the Qal perfect form of the verb בוא (bo), meaning "to come, go, enter." In the Hiphil stem, as used here (וַיַּקְרֵב _wa-yaqrev_ from the root קָרַב _qarav_), it means "to bring near, cause to approach." Moses uses this verb to emphasize that God Himself, not Moses, was the one who "brought near" Korah and the Levites to His service. This highlights the divine initiative and the immense privilege bestowed upon them, contrasting sharply with Korah's self-appointed ambition.
* **לְוִי֙ (Hebrew, _l'vī_):** Refers to "Levi," the tribe from which Korah descended. The Levites were uniquely consecrated for service in the Tabernacle, distinct from the rest of Israel, but also distinct from the Aaronic priesthood. Moses' mention of "all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee" underscores that Korah's rebellion was not an isolated act but involved a significant portion of the privileged Levitical tribe, making their ingratitude and ambition even more egregious.
* **כְּהֻנָּה֙ (Hebrew, _k'hunnāh_):** This noun specifically denotes "priesthood" or "priestly office." It refers to the exclusive spiritual office held by Aaron and his descendants, involving the offering of sacrifices and direct mediation with God. Korah's desire to "seek ye the priesthood also" reveals his ambition to usurp this divinely appointed and highly sacred role, demonstrating a profound disrespect for God's established order and the sacred boundaries He had set.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he hath brought thee near [to him],"**: This opening clause refers to God's gracious act of bringing Korah and the Levites into a unique relationship of service. The phrase "brought near" (from the root _qarav_) signifies a special intimacy and privilege, often used in the context of approaching God in worship or service. Moses reminds Korah that his current esteemed position is a divine gift, not a right to be exploited or a foundation for further, unauthorized ambition.
* **"and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee:"**: This expands the scope of God's blessing to include the entire tribe of Levi, emphasizing the collective privilege they shared. Moses highlights that Korah was not alone in receiving this divine favor; his entire clan and tribe had been set apart for sacred duties. This makes Korah's discontentment even more striking, as he was not merely seeking personal gain but was leading a rebellion among those who had already received such extraordinary favor.
* **"and seek ye the priesthood also?"**: This is a powerful rhetorical question that exposes the true nature of Korah's rebellion. The word "seek" (from _biqshem_, "to seek, demand, require") implies an aggressive, unauthorized pursuit. Moses' question is not seeking an answer but is an indictment, revealing Korah's insatiable ambition and his desire to usurp the divinely appointed Aaronic priesthood, thereby challenging God's sovereignty and established order. It underscores the profound ingratitude and presumption inherent in Korah's actions.

#### Literary Devices
Moses' address to Korah in Numbers 16:10 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, "and seek ye the priesthood also?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to expose the absurdity and audacity of Korah's ambition, serving as a powerful rebuke. It forces Korah (and the reader) to confront the stark contrast between the immense privilege already granted to the Levites and their presumptuous desire for more. There is also clear **Irony** at play: Korah, who claims Moses and Aaron "take too much upon you" (Numbers 16:3), is himself guilty of seeking to "take too much" by coveting the priesthood. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Contrast** by juxtaposing the divine act of "bringing near" (a gracious gift) with Korah's self-serving act of "seeking" (an act of rebellion). This highlights the fundamental difference between God's generous provision and human discontentment and ambition. The entire exchange is imbued with **Pathos**, as Moses, a humble leader, expresses his dismay at the ingratitude and rebellion of his own people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 16:10 provides a profound theological lesson on the nature of divine calling, the dangers of spiritual ambition, and the sanctity of God's established order. It teaches that true service to God stems from contentment with the specific gifts and roles He bestows, rather than from a restless pursuit of positions not divinely appointed. The rebellion of Korah underscores that challenging God's chosen leaders is, at its core, a challenge to God Himself, who sovereignly establishes authority within His people. This narrative serves as a timeless warning against presumptuousness, reminding us that access to God and roles in His service are privileges granted by His grace, not entitlements to be seized by human will or ambition.

* [Hebrews 5:4](/hebrews/5-4 "Hebrews 5:4 - No One Takes This Honor On Himself")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")
* [Romans 13:1-2](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1-2 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 16:10 offers vital lessons for believers in every age, urging us to cultivate a spirit of humility, contentment, and faithful stewardship within the unique callings God has given us. In a world that often prizes ambition and self-promotion, this verse calls us to recognize that true honor comes from God's appointment, not human striving. It challenges us to examine our hearts for any seeds of discontentment or envy, especially when we observe others serving in capacities different from our own. Instead of coveting another's role, we are called to faithfully and joyfully embrace our own, understanding that every part of the body of Christ is indispensable and divinely purposed. This verse encourages us to respect the spiritual authority God has placed over us, recognizing that their position is ultimately from Him, and to guard against the destructive forces of pride and division that can fracture the unity of the church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Am I truly content with the gifts, roles, and responsibilities God has entrusted to me, or do I find myself coveting what others possess?**
* **How do I respond to spiritual authority in my life and in the church? Do I respect their God-given position, even when I might disagree with their methods?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to presume upon God's grace or overstep the boundaries He has set for my service or spiritual walk?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for God's specific calling on my life and serve Him faithfully within those parameters?**

### FAQ
**What was the specific role of the Levites, and how was it different from the priesthood?**

Answer: The Levites were consecrated by God for sacred service in the Tabernacle, assisting the priests. Their duties included carrying the Tabernacle components during travel, setting up and dismantling the sanctuary, and performing various maintenance tasks within the holy precincts. They were "brought near" to God's service, but they were explicitly forbidden from performing the duties of the priesthood, such as offering sacrifices on the altar, burning incense, or entering the Holy of Holies. That exclusive role, the "priesthood" (_k'hunnāh_), was reserved solely for Aaron and his direct descendants, as outlined in [Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - Aaron and His Sons Appointed Priests") and [Numbers 18:7](/numbers/18-7 "Numbers 18:7 - The Priesthood Reserved for Aaron and His Sons"). Korah's rebellion was precisely about blurring these divinely established lines.

**Why was Korah's rebellion considered so serious by God?**

Answer: Korah's rebellion was not merely a challenge to Moses and Aaron's leadership; it was a direct challenge to God's divine order and sovereignty. God Himself had meticulously established the roles and boundaries for the Levites and the priests. By seeking the priesthood, Korah was presuming upon God's holiness and attempting to usurp a position God had explicitly reserved for Aaron's lineage. This act of insubordination was a profound disrespect for God's authority and a dangerous undermining of the sacred structure necessary for Israel's relationship with a holy God. God's severe judgment in [Numbers 16:31-35](/numbers/16-31 "Numbers 16:31-35 - The Earth Swallows Korah, Dathan, and Abiram") underscores the gravity of challenging His divine appointments and sacred boundaries.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 16:10, with its stark portrayal of unauthorized access and the sanctity of divine appointment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant system of Levites and Aaronic priests, with its strict boundaries and limited access to God's presence, foreshadowed the need for a perfect mediator. While Korah presumed to seize the priesthood, Jesus, by divine appointment, *is* our eternal and perfect High Priest, not according to the order of Aaron, but "according to the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Jesus, a Priest Like Melchizedek")). Unlike the Aaronic priests who continually offered sacrifices and could only "bring near" certain individuals, Jesus offered Himself as the singular, all-sufficient sacrifice, forever providing direct access to God's presence for all who believe ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's One Sacrifice")). Through His finished work on the cross and His perpetual intercession at the right hand of God ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")), Jesus has not only fulfilled the priestly office but has also "brought near" every believer, making us a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), able to draw near to God with confidence ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")). Thus, what Korah presumptuously sought for himself—unrestricted access and priestly authority—is graciously bestowed upon all who are in Christ, not by human ambition, but by divine grace through the perfect High Priest.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

3 John 1:9

¶ I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

Romans 12:10

[Be] kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Philippians 2:3

[Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Numbers 3:10

And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall wait on their priest's office: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

Matthew 20:21

And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.

Matthew 20:22

But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.

Proverbs 13:10

¶ Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised [is] wisdom.