Numbers 16:11

For which cause [both] thou and all thy company [are] gathered together against the LORD: and what [is] Aaron, that ye murmur against him?

For which cause {H3651} both thou and all thy company {H5712} are gathered together {H3259} against the LORD {H3068}: and what is Aaron {H175}, that ye murmur {H3885}{H3885} against him?

That's why you and your group have gathered together against ADONAI! After all, what is Aharon that you complain against him?"

Therefore, it is you and all your followers who have conspired against the LORD! As for Aaron, who is he that you should grumble against him?”

Therefore thou and all thy company are gathered together against Jehovah: and Aaron, what is he that ye murmur against him?

Commentary

Context of Numbers 16:11

Numbers 16:11 is a pivotal verse in the narrative of Korah's rebellion, a significant event in the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites. This verse captures Moses' direct confrontation with Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and their company, who had challenged the divinely ordained leadership of Moses and Aaron. The rebellion stemmed from a desire for greater spiritual authority and a rejection of God's established order for the community. Moses here exposes the true nature of their defiance, asserting that their quarrel is not with him or Aaron, but with the LORD Himself.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Rebellion Against Divine Authority: The primary message of this verse is that challenging God's appointed leaders is tantamount to challenging God Himself. Korah and his company believed they were merely opposing Moses and Aaron, but Moses clarifies that their actions were a direct affront to God's sovereignty and His chosen instruments. This highlights the seriousness of undermining spiritual authority that God has established.
  • God's Sovereignty in Leadership: The verse underscores that leadership within Israel, particularly the Aaronic priesthood, was not a matter of human ambition or popular vote, but a divine appointment. Moses emphasizes, "what [is] Aaron, that ye murmur against him?" implying that Aaron's position was not by his own might or choice, but by God's decree.
  • The Nature of Murmuring: The repeated "murmur against him" (referring to Aaron, but implicitly against God) connects this rebellion to a recurring theme in the wilderness narrative: Israel's tendency to complain against God and His provision. Moses here elevates the complaint from a personal grievance to an act of rebellion against the Almighty. This echoes earlier instances where Israel's complaints against Moses and Aaron were deemed as complaints against the Lord Himself, as seen in Exodus 16:8.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "gathered together" (qahal) often refers to an assembly or congregation. In this context, it signifies a deliberate, organized gathering for a rebellious purpose. The phrase "against the LORD" (Χ’Φ·ΧœΦΎΧ™Φ°Χ”Χ•ΦΈΧ”, 'al Yahweh) powerfully conveys that their opposition was directed at God's very being and authority, not just His servants. The term "murmur" (ΧœΧ•ΧŸ, lun) is frequently used in the books of Exodus and Numbers to describe the Israelites' persistent complaining, often indicating a deep-seated dissatisfaction with God's plans and provisions.

Practical Application

Numbers 16:11 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Respect for Authority: It teaches the importance of respecting legitimate spiritual and civic authority, recognizing that God often works through appointed individuals (Romans 13:1-2). While accountability is necessary, outright rebellion against God's established order is dangerous.
  • Discerning Motives: This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts when we find ourselves complaining or opposing leadership. Is our grievance truly with a person, or is it a deeper dissatisfaction with God's will or His ways?
  • Humility: Korah's rebellion stemmed from pride and a desire for positions not granted by God. The verse serves as a reminder to cultivate humility and contentment with the roles God has assigned us, rather than striving for what is not ours. The severe consequences faced by Korah and his company (Numbers 16:31-33) underscore the gravity of rebellion against divine authority.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 16:7

    And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the LORD; for that he heareth your murmurings against the LORD: and what [are] we, that ye murmur against us?

  • Exodus 16:8

    And Moses said, [This shall be], when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what [are] we? your murmurings [are] not against us, but against the LORD.

  • Exodus 17:2

    Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?

  • Numbers 16:3

    And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, [Ye take] too much upon you, seeing all the congregation [are] holy, every one of them, and the LORD [is] among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?

  • 1 Corinthians 3:5

    ΒΆ Who then is Paul, and who [is] Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

  • 1 Samuel 8:7

    And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.

  • John 13:20

    Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
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