Numbers 16:5

KJV

And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who [are] his, and [who is] holy; and will cause [him] to come near unto him: even [him] whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he spake {H1696} unto Korah {H7141} and unto all his company {H5712}, saying {H559}, Even to morrow {H1242} the LORD {H3068} will shew {H3045} who are his, and who is holy {H6918}; and will cause him to come near {H7126} unto him: even him whom he hath chosen {H977} will he cause to come near {H7126} unto him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he said to Korach and his whole group, "In the morning, ADONAI will show who are his and who is the holy person he will allow to approach him. Yes, he will bring whomever he chooses near to himself.

Berean Standard Bible

Then he said to Korah and all his followers, “Tomorrow morning the LORD will reveal who belongs to Him and who is holy, and He will bring that person near to Himself. The one He chooses, He will bring near to Himself.

American Standard Version

and he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, In the morning Jehovah will show who are his, and who is holy, and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he shall choose will he cause to come near unto him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 16:5 captures Moses' definitive response to the audacious rebellion led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against his and Aaron's divinely ordained leadership. In this pivotal moment, Moses de fers the ultimate resolution not to human debate or power struggle, but to the direct, manifest intervention of Yahweh. The verse articulates God's imminent action to unequivocally reveal those who genuinely belong to Him, those consecrated for His service, and whom He has specifically chosen to draw near to His sacred presence, thereby validating His appointed servants and demonstrating His supreme, unchallengeable authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 16:5 is situated at the very beginning of the dramatic and tragic account of Korah's rebellion, immediately following the conspirators' direct challenge to Moses and Aaron in [Numbers 16:1-3](/numbers/16-1 "Numbers 16:1-3 - Korah's Rebellion Begins"). The preceding chapters in Numbers, particularly [Numbers 13-14](/numbers/13 "Numbers 13-14 - The Spies and Israel's Rebellion"), detail Israel's persistent grumbling and rebellion against God and His appointed leaders, culminating in the wilderness wandering decree. This rebellion by Korah, a Levite, along with Dathan, Abiram, and 250 prominent Israelite leaders, is not merely a challenge to human authority but a direct affront to God's established order for the Tabernacle and the nation. Moses' response in [Numbers 16:4-7](/numbers/16-4 "Numbers 16:4-7 - Moses' Response to Korah") is not one of personal defense but a profound act of entrusting the matter entirely to God, setting the stage for divine judgment and vindication.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The rebellion of Korah occurred during Israel's wilderness journey, a period marked by divine provision, miraculous guidance, but also frequent disobedience and testing. The challenge was rooted in a misunderstanding or rejection of the divinely established hierarchy for worship and governance. While all Israel was considered "holy" in a general sense as God's chosen people ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - Israel as a Kingdom of Priests")), specific roles within the Tabernacle service, particularly the priesthood, were exclusively reserved for Aaron and his descendants ([Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons")). The Levites, to whom Korah belonged, had important but distinct duties, serving as assistants to the priests ([Numbers 3:5-10](/numbers/3-5 "Numbers 3:5-10 - Duties of the Levites")). Korah's rebellion, therefore, was a direct assault on this sacred, God-ordained distinction, aiming to usurp the priestly office, which was considered an act of profound sacrilege with severe consequences ([Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - Warning Against Unauthorized Approach")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty in Leadership**. True authority and the right to "come near" God are not determined by human ambition, popular consensus, or self-assertion, but solely by God's sovereign choice and appointment, as Moses emphasizes that the LORD "will shew who are his" and "whom he hath chosen." Secondly, it highlights the critical theme of **Holiness and Access to God**. The phrase "who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him" reinforces that drawing near to God's presence, especially in the Tabernacle, demands a specific, God-imparted consecration, not a self-proclaimed status. This challenges the rebels' assertion that "all the congregation are holy" ([Numbers 16:3](/numbers/16-3 "Numbers 16:3 - Korah's Accusation")). Finally, the verse sets the stage for **God's Vindication and Judgment**. Moses' unwavering confidence that "Even to morrow the LORD will shew" reveals his trust in God's decisive intervention to expose the rebellion and confirm His chosen servants, foreshadowing the dramatic divine judgment that would follow the rebels ([Numbers 16:31-33](/numbers/16-31 "Numbers 16:31-33 - The Earth Swallows the Rebels")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shew (Hebrew, _yada'_):** This verb, often translated as "to know," here carries the intensive meaning of "to make known," "to reveal," or "to demonstrate clearly." It is not merely about God possessing knowledge, but actively and publicly manifesting His truth and will. In this context, it signifies God's decisive intervention to expose the true nature of the rebellion and to undeniably validate His chosen ones, leaving no room for doubt or further dispute.
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qadosh_):** This term denotes being "set apart," "consecrated," or "sanctified" for a specific, sacred purpose. It implies a distinct separation from the common or profane, often by divine decree. Here, it emphasizes that the status of being "holy" for the purpose of drawing near to God is not inherent to all Israelites equally in terms of priestly function, but is a divine endowment for specific individuals chosen for specific roles, particularly the priesthood.
* **Come near (Hebrew, _qarab_):** This verb signifies drawing close, approaching, or presenting oneself, often in a ritual or cultic context. It describes the privileged access granted to priests to enter the Tabernacle and perform sacred duties before God. The emphasis is on the sanctity and exclusivity of this approach, highlighting that it is a divine prerogative to grant such access, not a right to be seized by human presumption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow":** This sets the immediate context of Moses' direct confrontation with the rebels and establishes a specific timeframe for God's intervention. Moses, rather than engaging in a prolonged argument, immediately appeals to a higher authority, signaling that the dispute is ultimately with God, not with him personally. The "tomorrow" creates a sense of imminent divine judgment and revelation.
* **"the LORD will shew who [are] his, and [who is] holy;":** This is the core declaration of divine intent. Moses confidently proclaims that Yahweh Himself will reveal the truth. "Who are his" refers to those who truly belong to God, those under His authority and chosen by Him. "Who is holy" specifically addresses the rebels' claim to universal holiness and right to priestly functions, asserting that God will demonstrate who is genuinely set apart and consecrated for sacred service.
* **"and will cause [him] to come near unto him: even [him] whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.":** This climactic statement clarifies the nature of God's demonstration. The ultimate proof of belonging and holiness is the privilege of drawing near to God in His sanctuary. The repetition of "will cause him to come near unto him" emphasizes the divine initiative and prerogative in granting access. The final clause, "even him whom he hath chosen," underscores that this access is solely based on God's sovereign election and appointment, directly refuting the rebels' self-appointed claims.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Anticipation** is skillfully built through Moses' declaration of "Even to morrow," creating immediate suspense and directing the audience's focus to God's impending action. The use of **Repetition** in "will cause him to come near unto him" serves to emphasize the singular importance of authorized access to God's presence and to highlight that this privilege is entirely dependent on divine choice, not human assertion. The entire statement functions as a form of **Prophecy**, as Moses confidently foretells God's direct intervention and vindication of His chosen ones. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Contrast** between the rebels' self-proclaimed holiness and right to draw near, and God's sovereign revelation of "who is holy" and "whom he hath chosen" to "come near unto him." This contrast underscores the fundamental theological divide between human presumption and divine prerogative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 16:5 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine authority, the sanctity of God's appointed order, and the exclusive terms of access to His presence. It powerfully asserts God's absolute sovereignty in choosing and consecrating those who serve Him, directly challenging any human attempt to usurp or redefine sacred roles. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, affirming that true spiritual authority and privilege are divinely bestowed, not self-claimed or democratically elected. The verse also highlights the critical importance of holiness—a state of being set apart by God—as a prerequisite for drawing near to Him, a concept that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

* [Hebrews 5:4](/hebrews/5-4 "Hebrews 5:4 - No One Takes This Honor on Himself")
* [Leviticus 10:1-3](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-3 - Nadab and Abihu's Unauthorized Fire")
* [Isaiah 6:1-7](/isaiah/6-1 "Isaiah 6:1-7 - Isaiah's Vision and Cleansing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 16:5 offers timeless lessons for believers navigating issues of authority, service, and access to God in the contemporary world. It calls us to a posture of humility and submission to God's established order, whether in the church, family, or society. Instead of challenging or undermining God-ordained leadership out of envy, pride, or a desire for personal recognition, we are reminded that true service is rooted in acknowledging God's sovereign choice and grace. Our ability to "come near" to Him, to serve in His kingdom, and to exercise spiritual gifts is not a right we seize, but a privilege granted by His divine appointment and consecration. This verse encourages us to trust in God's ultimate justice, knowing that He will always reveal truth, vindicate the righteous, and judge rebellion in His perfect timing and according to His perfect will, assuring us that we do not need to fight battles that belong to the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's sovereign choice in Numbers 16:5 challenge modern notions of leadership based on popularity or self-promotion?**
* **In what ways might we, like Korah, be tempted to assume a "holiness" or "right to draw near" to God that is not genuinely granted by Him?**
* **How does trusting God to "shew who are his" influence our response when we feel our own authority or calling is challenged?**
* **What practical steps can we take to cultivate a heart of humility and respect for God-ordained authority in our lives and communities?**

### FAQ
**What was the core issue of Korah's rebellion, and how does Numbers 16:5 address it?**

Answer: The core issue of Korah's rebellion was a challenge to the divinely appointed leadership of Moses and Aaron, specifically their exclusive right to the priesthood. Korah and his company claimed 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 Accusation")), implying that all Israelites had an equal right to priestly functions and access to God's presence. Numbers 16:5 directly addresses this by stating that "the LORD will shew who [are] his, and [who is] holy; and will cause [him] to come near unto him: even [him] whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him." This declaration asserts that God Himself will definitively reveal who He has truly chosen and consecrated for sacred service, thus refuting the rebels' claims and affirming His sovereign right to appoint and distinguish.

**How does "coming near" relate to holiness in the Old Testament?**

Answer: In the Old Testament, "coming near" (Hebrew: _qarab_) to God, particularly in the context of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, was a highly regulated and sacred act. It referred to the privileged access granted to priests and Levites to perform their duties in God's presence. This access was strictly tied to a state of ritual and moral "holiness" (Hebrew: _qadosh_), meaning being set apart and consecrated by God for His purposes. Unauthorized or unholy approach was met with severe judgment, as seen with Nadab and Abihu ([Leviticus 10:1-3](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-3 - Nadab and Abihu's Unauthorized Fire")). Numbers 16:5 reinforces this, emphasizing that only those whom God Himself declares "holy" and "chosen" are permitted to "come near" to Him, highlighting the divine prerogative in granting access to His sacred presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 16:5, with its emphasis on God's sovereign choice of those who are "his," "holy," and permitted to "come near," finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. In the Old Covenant, access to God's presence was restricted and mediated through a chosen priesthood, foreshadowing the perfect High Priest to come. Jesus, as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and the [Son of God](/hebrews/1-5 "Hebrews 1:5 - Jesus, Superior to Angels"), is uniquely "his" and perfectly "holy," having been chosen by the Father to draw near to Him. He is the one whom God has not only caused to come near but has also made the very means by which all believers can now draw near. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus has consecrated a new and living way for us to approach God, not based on our own merit or self-proclaimed holiness, but solely on His finished work ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place")). He is the true and final High Priest, not of the order of Aaron, but of the order of Melchizedek, whose priesthood is eternal and perfect ([Hebrews 7:23-28](/hebrews/7-23 "Hebrews 7:23-28 - Jesus, a Superior Priest")). Thus, the divine prerogative to "cause him to come near" is fully realized in Christ, who invites all who believe in Him to become part of a "royal priesthood" ([1-peter/2-9](/1-peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")) and to boldly approach the throne of grace through Him ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")).

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

Numbers 17:5

And it shall come to pass, [that] the man's rod, whom I shall choose, shall blossom: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel, whereby they murmur against you.

Psalms 65:4

Blessed [is the man whom] thou choosest, and causest to approach [unto thee, that] he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, [even] of thy holy temple.

Leviticus 10:3

¶ Then Moses said unto Aaron, This [is it] that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.

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?

2 Timothy 2:19

¶ Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Ezekiel 40:46

And the chamber whose prospect [is] toward the north [is] for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the altar: these [are] the sons of Zadok among the sons of Levi, which come near to the LORD to minister unto him.

Acts 22:14

And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.