Numbers 16:16

KJV

And Moses said unto Korah, Be thou and all thy company before the LORD, thou, and they, and Aaron, to morrow:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} said {H559} unto Korah {H7141}, Be thou and all thy company {H5712} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, thou, and they, and Aaron {H175}, to morrow {H4279}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe said to Korach, "You and your group, be there before ADONAI tomorrow -you, they and Aharon.

Berean Standard Bible

And Moses said to Korah, “You and all your followers are to appear before the LORD tomorrow—you and they and Aaron.

American Standard Version

And Moses said unto Korah, Be thou and all thy company before Jehovah, thou, and they, and Aaron, to-morrow:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 16:16 marks a pivotal moment in the escalating confrontation between Moses and Korah's rebellious faction during Israel's wilderness journey. In this verse, Moses, acting under divine instruction, issues a direct and solemn summons to Korah and his entire company, commanding them to present themselves before the LORD the following day. This challenge sets the stage for a definitive divine arbitration, designed to unequivocally reveal God's chosen leaders and priests, thereby settling the profound dispute over legitimate spiritual and governmental authority within the Israelite community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the dramatic narrative of Korah's rebellion, meticulously detailed in [Numbers chapter 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion"). The preceding verses establish the formidable nature of the challenge: Korah, a prominent Levite, along with Dathan and Abiram (Reubenites), and 250 respected leaders, directly dispute Moses' leadership and Aaron's exclusive priestly authority. Their audacious claim, "all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them" ([Numbers 16:3](/numbers/16-3 "Numbers 16:3 - Korah's Challenge to Moses and Aaron")), directly undermines God's divinely established order. Moses, overwhelmed by the gravity of the rebellion, falls on his face in prayer ([Numbers 16:4](/numbers/16-4 "Numbers 16:4 - Moses Falls on His Face")) before proposing a test involving the offering of incense—a sacred act strictly reserved for the consecrated priests. [Numbers 16:16](/numbers/16-16 "Numbers 16:16 - Moses' Challenge to Korah") serves as Moses' formal declaration of this challenge, inviting the rebels to participate in the very priestly function they sought to usurp, thereby allowing God Himself to adjudicate the matter and reveal His true chosen servants.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The wilderness journey was a critical period for the nascent nation of Israel, during which God was meticulously establishing their covenant identity, foundational laws, and socio-religious structures. Central to this divine ordering was the clearly defined hierarchy of leadership: Moses as the prophetic and governmental head, and Aaron and his descendants as the exclusive, divinely consecrated priestly line. The rebellion of Korah and his company was far more than a mere political power struggle; it was a direct affront to this divinely instituted order, challenging God's sovereignty and His chosen instruments. In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, challenges to authority, particularly religious authority, were frequently resolved through divine omens, oracles, or trials by ordeal, where the will of the deities was believed to be revealed. Moses' proposal in [Numbers 16:16](/numbers/16-16 "Numbers 16:16 - Moses' Challenge to Korah") aligns with this cultural expectation of divine arbitration, but with a crucial distinction: the test is not merely an ordeal but a direct, confident appeal to Yahweh, the sovereign LORD, who alone determines true holiness, legitimate appointment, and the boundaries of sacred service.

* **Key Themes:** The rebellion of Korah and Moses' decisive response in [Numbers 16:16](/numbers/16-16 "Numbers 16:16 - Moses' Challenge to Korah") illuminate several profound theological themes. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Divine Authority and Legitimate Leadership**, emphasizing that true authority within God's community is divinely bestowed and sanctioned, not self-appointed or subject to human democratic processes. Korah's challenge was ultimately against God's direct choice, not merely against Moses and Aaron as individuals. Secondly, the passage highlights **The Sacredness and Exclusivity of the Priesthood**, affirming that the Aaronic priesthood was a unique, consecrated office, set apart by God and not open to general appropriation. The test involving the offering of incense, a quintessential priestly function, was specifically designed to demonstrate and uphold this divine exclusivity. Finally, the theme of **Divine Judgment and Vindication** is central, as Moses confidently defers the resolution to God, trusting that the LORD will unequivocally distinguish between the holy and the profane, and between those He has called and those who presumptuously intrude. This sets the stage for the dramatic and severe judgment that follows, reinforcing the absolute necessity of respecting God's established order, as powerfully demonstrated in the subsequent verses of [Numbers chapter 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **company (Hebrew, _ʻêdâh'_):** From H5712, meaning a stated assemblage, specifically a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd; assembly, company, congregation. Here, it refers specifically to the rebellious faction led by Korah. Moses' use of this term emphasizes the collective nature of the challenge to his and Aaron's authority, indicating that the entire group involved in the rebellion is being summoned to account for their actions. It highlights the unified front of those who sought to usurp divinely appointed roles.
* **before the LORD (Hebrew, _pânîym Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H6440 (`pânîym`) and H3068 (`Yᵉhôvâh`). `Pânîym` literally means "face" and is used in a great variety of applications, including "before" or "in the presence of." `Yᵉhôvâh` is the proper name of God, the self-Existent or Eternal One. This phrase is profoundly significant, denoting a direct encounter with God's manifest presence, often in a judicial or revelatory context. It implies a divine tribunal where truth will be revealed, and justice dispensed. In this instance, it points to the sacred space of the Tabernacle, where God's glory dwells, making the impending confrontation a direct appeal to the ultimate divine authority. It signifies that the matter is beyond human arbitration and requires God's personal intervention and judgment.
* **to morrow (Hebrew, _mâchâr'_):** From H4279, meaning properly deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter. The specification of "to morrow" introduces an element of suspense, solemnity, and deliberateness. It is not an impulsive act but a precisely timed appointment for divine arbitration. This interval allows for reflection (though the rebels do not repent) and builds anticipation for God's decisive intervention, demonstrating Moses' complete confidence in God's immediate and unequivocal response.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses said unto Korah":** This opening clause firmly establishes Moses as the speaker, acting as God's divinely appointed representative, and Korah as the primary instigator and recipient of this direct command. It highlights the direct confrontation between the legitimate leader and the orchestrator of the rebellion.
* **"Be thou and all thy company before the LORD":** This is the central command, a solemn and authoritative summons for Korah and his entire rebellious faction to present themselves in the sacred presence of God. It underscores that the dispute has escalated beyond a mere human disagreement, becoming a direct challenge to God Himself, necessitating His ultimate judgment and intervention.
* **"thou, and they, and Aaron, to morrow":** This clause specifies the participants and the precise timing of the confrontation. "Thou" refers to Korah, "they" refers to his company (the 250 men), and "Aaron" is explicitly included. Aaron's presence is crucial because his divinely appointed priesthood is being challenged, and his participation in the incense offering will serve as the benchmark against which the rebels' presumption will be measured. The phrase "to morrow" sets a precise deadline for this divine encounter, emphasizing the immediacy and certainty of God's impending judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 16:16 employs several potent literary devices that heighten the drama and theological significance of the passage. The verse functions as a direct **Challenge**, where Moses, acting as God's authoritative representative, issues a public and unequivocal confrontation to Korah's rebellion. This challenge is framed as a **Divine Arbitration**, transforming a human dispute over authority into a solemn trial before God Himself, thereby elevating the stakes beyond mere human politics or a power struggle. There is a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as the command to appear "to morrow" with Aaron implicitly sets the stage for the dramatic and severe divine judgment and vindication that will unfold in the subsequent verses of [Numbers chapter 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion"), particularly the earth swallowing the rebels and fire consuming the incense offerers. The explicit inclusion of "Aaron" in the summons creates a powerful **Contrast** between the legitimate, divinely appointed priest and the presumptuous, self-appointed challengers, thereby highlighting the unique sanctity and exclusivity of the Aaronic priesthood.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 16:16 serves as a powerful theological statement about the nature of divine authority, the sanctity of God's chosen instruments, and the profound dangers of presumptuous rebellion against His established order. The command to appear "before the LORD" signifies that ultimate authority resides with God alone, and any challenge to His appointed leaders or institutions is, in essence, a direct challenge to Him. The impending test of the incense offering underscores the sacredness and exclusivity of the priesthood, a role not taken by human will or ambition but by divine call and consecration. This event highlights God's unwavering commitment to uphold His chosen servants and to judge those who undermine His sacred institutions, demonstrating that true holiness and legitimate service flow from His sovereign election, not from human popularity, self-assertion, or perceived equality.

* [Hebrews 5:4](/hebrews/5-4 "Hebrews 5:4 - No One Takes This Honor to Himself")
* [Psalm 106:16-18](/psalms/106-16-18 "Psalm 106:16-18 - Rebellion Against Moses and Aaron")
* [Jude 1:11](/jude/1-11 "Jude 1:11 - Woe to Them! For They Have Gone in the Way of Cain... and Perished in the Rebellion of Korah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 16:16 calls believers to a profound reflection on the nature of authority, humility, and submission within the community of faith. It serves as a stark reminder that all legitimate spiritual authority originates from God, not from human popularity, self-assertion, or a misguided sense of egalitarianism that disregards divine appointment. While healthy discernment, accountability, and a prophetic voice against corruption are vital, this passage stands as a severe warning against rebellion fueled by envy, pride, or a desire for power that seeks to usurp roles God has not given. It challenges us to examine our hearts for any inclination to challenge God's established order or to presume upon sacred offices without a clear divine mandate. Instead, we are called to cultivate a spirit of humility, recognizing God's sovereign wisdom in His appointments, and to trust that He will ultimately vindicate His own and judge all actions and intentions. Our service, therefore, must flow from a genuine divine call and a humble heart, recognizing that true honor comes from God alone and that presuming upon His sacred boundaries carries grave consequences.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond to authority, particularly spiritual authority, in my own life? Is my response characterized by humility and submission, or by a spirit of challenge and self-assertion?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to presume upon roles, responsibilities, or knowledge that God has not explicitly called me to or gifted me for within the body of Christ?**
* **How does understanding God's ultimate and severe judgment of Korah's rebellion shape my view of challenging established order within the church or community today?**

### FAQ

**What was the specific nature of Korah's challenge to Moses and Aaron?**

Answer: Korah, a Levite, specifically challenged Aaron's exclusive right to the priesthood, asserting that "all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them" ([Numbers 16:3](/numbers/16-3 "Numbers 16:3 - Korah's Challenge to Moses and Aaron")). He believed that the entire community was equally holy and therefore equally qualified for priestly duties. Dathan and Abiram, Reubenites, joined the rebellion, challenging Moses' civil leadership and accusing him of failing to lead them into a land flowing with milk and honey ([Numbers 16:12-14](/numbers/16-12-14 "Numbers 16:12-14 - Dathan and Abiram's Defiance")). Thus, the rebellion was a dual challenge to both the religious and civil leadership established by God.

**Why was the incense offering chosen as the test to resolve the dispute?**

Answer: The incense offering was a highly sacred act, specifically reserved for the consecrated priests of the Aaronic line ([Exodus 30:7-8](/exodus/30-7-8 "Exodus 30:7-8 - Aaron's Daily Incense Offering")). To offer incense without proper authorization was a grave offense, punishable by death, as tragically seen in the case of Nadab and Abihu ([Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1-2 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Unholy Fire")). By commanding Korah and his company to offer incense, Moses was setting up a direct challenge to God's established order, trusting that God Himself would demonstrate who had the legitimate right to approach Him in this sacred manner. It was a test designed to expose the presumption of the rebels and affirm the unique sanctity and exclusivity of the Aaronic priesthood.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 16:16, with its dramatic confrontation over legitimate authority and priesthood, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The rebellion of Korah stemmed from a desire to usurp a divinely appointed priestly role, yet Christ is the true and perfect High Priest, not appointed by human lineage or ambition, but "after the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Christ, a Priest Forever After the Order of Melchizedek")), consecrated by an eternal oath from God Himself ([Hebrews 7:20-21](/hebrews/7-20-21 "Hebrews 7:20-21 - Christ's Priesthood Confirmed by an Oath")). Unlike Aaron, whose priesthood was temporary and required repeated sacrifices for sin, Jesus offered "one sacrifice for sins forever" ([Hebrews 10:12](/hebrews/10-12 "Hebrews 10:12 - Christ's One Sacrifice for Sins Forever")), perfectly mediating between God and humanity. The call for Korah and his company to appear "before the LORD" foreshadows the ultimate judgment seat of Christ, before whom "we must all appear" ([2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - We Must All Appear Before the Judgment Seat of Christ")), and the supreme, unchallenged authority of Jesus, to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Thus, Christ not only fulfills the Aaronic priesthood by transcending it with a superior, eternal one, but also embodies the absolute and sovereign authority of God, making any rebellion against Him utterly futile and eternally consequential.

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

1 Samuel 12:3

Behold, here I [am]: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received [any] bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.

1 Samuel 12:7

Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD of all the righteous acts of the LORD, which he did to you and to your fathers.

2 Timothy 2:14

¶ Of these things put [them] in remembrance, charging [them] before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, [but] to the subverting of the hearers.

Numbers 16:6

This do; Take you censers, Korah, and all his company;

Numbers 16:7

And put fire therein, and put incense in them before the LORD to morrow: and it shall be [that] the man whom the LORD doth choose, he [shall be] holy: [ye take] too much upon you, ye sons of Levi.