Numbers 16:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And put {H5414} fire {H784} therein {H2004}, and put {H7760} incense {H7004} in them before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} to morrow {H4279}: and it shall be that the man {H376} whom the LORD {H3068} doth choose {H977}, he shall be holy {H6918}: ye take too much {H7227} upon you, ye sons {H1121} of Levi {H3878}.

Complete Jewish Bible

put fire in them; and put incense in them before ADONAI tomorrow. The one whom ADONAI chooses will be the one who is holy! It is you, you sons of Levi, who are taking too much on yourselves!"

Berean Standard Bible

and tomorrow you are to place fire and incense in them in the presence of the LORD. Then the man the LORD chooses will be the one who is holy. It is you sons of Levi who have taken too much upon yourselves!”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 16:7 stands as Moses' definitive challenge to Korah and his rebellious company, asserting God's sole prerogative in selecting those consecrated for sacred service. This verse proposes a divine test involving the unauthorized offering of incense, designed to unequivocally reveal whom the Lord has chosen as holy, thereby exposing the profound presumption of those who dared to usurp the divinely established Aaronic priesthood and Moses' leadership. It encapsulates the core conflict between divine appointment and human ambition, setting the stage for a dramatic demonstration of God's unyielding authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 16:7 is Moses' direct and firm response to the audacious rebellion led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, joined by 250 prominent leaders of the Israelite community. Their accusation, articulated in [Numbers 16:3](/numbers/16-3 "Numbers 16:3 - Korah's Accusation"), was that Moses and Aaron had "taken too much upon" themselves, asserting that "all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them." This challenge was not merely against human leadership but a direct assault on God's established order for worship and governance. Moses' instruction in verse 7, to take censers and offer incense before the Lord, was a perilous test, as the offering of incense was a sacred duty strictly reserved for the consecrated priests of the Aaronic line, as detailed in [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Unauthorized Fire"), where unauthorized fire resulted in immediate divine judgment. This proposed test, therefore, was designed to allow God Himself to vindicate His chosen servants and expose the false claims of the rebels.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this rebellion is the wilderness journey, a period of profound formation for the nation of Israel, where God was establishing His covenant, laws, and the intricate system of tabernacle worship. Central to this system was the divinely ordained priesthood, specifically limited to Aaron and his descendants (cf. [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Priestly Garments and Consecration")). The concept of "holiness" (`qadosh`) in ancient Israel was not a general spiritual state applicable to all in the same way, but often denoted a specific setting apart for God's service or presence. While the entire nation was called to be a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - Israel as a Holy Nation")), this did not negate the necessity of a specially consecrated, distinct priesthood for mediating between God and the people through sacrifices and rituals. Korah, a Levite but not an Aaronic priest, along with other non-priestly Levites and tribal leaders, sought to obliterate this divinely mandated distinction, driven by ambition and a misunderstanding of the nature of God's holiness and order.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 16:7 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Authority vs. Human Presumption**. The core conflict is not about who *wants* to serve, but who God *chooses* to serve Him, especially in sacred capacities. Moses' declaration, "the man whom the LORD doth choose, he shall be holy," directly refutes the rebellious claim of universal, undifferentiated holiness for priestly service. Secondly, the verse highlights **The Sanctity and Exclusivity of the Priesthood**. God's meticulous instructions for the tabernacle and its service, including the specific roles of priests and Levites, emphasize that access to His holy presence and the performance of sacred rites were not open to all, but were divinely restricted and consecrated. This divine separation was for the protection of the people and the preservation of God's holiness, as seen in the severe consequences for unauthorized access in [Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - Priestly Responsibilities"). Finally, the verse foreshadows the **Consequences of Rebellion Against God's Ordained Order**. Moses' words carry a solemn warning, implying that the outcome of the proposed test will not merely be a clarification of roles but a demonstration of divine judgment against those who defy God's established structure. This theme culminates dramatically in the earth swallowing the rebels ([Numbers 16:31-33](/numbers/16-31 "Numbers 16:31-33 - Earth Swallows Rebels")) and fire consuming the 250 incense-offerers ([Numbers 16:35](/numbers/16-35 "Numbers 16:35 - Fire Consumes Incense-Offerers")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Choose (Hebrew, _bachar'_):** This verb signifies a deliberate, sovereign act of selection, implying preference, election, and setting apart. In the context of Numbers 16:7, it emphasizes that God's choice is not arbitrary or based on human merit or popular vote, but on His divine will and purpose. It underscores the concept of divine election for specific roles and responsibilities within His covenant community, particularly for sacred service. The one whom the Lord "chooses" is the one He Himself designates and empowers.
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qadosh'_):** This adjective denotes being "set apart," "consecrated," or "sanctified" for a sacred purpose, distinct from the common or profane. It implies an intrinsic purity and dedication to God. Here, it is not merely a moral quality but a state of being divinely designated and empowered for sacred service. The man chosen by the Lord is not holy by his own merit or declaration, but becomes holy by divine impartation and consecration for the specific role of priesthood. This directly counters Korah's assertion that all are equally holy for priestly functions.
* **Ye take too much upon you (Hebrew, _rav-lakem'_):** Literally meaning "it is too much for you" or "enough for you," this phrase serves as a sharp rebuke. It conveys Moses' strong condemnation of the rebels' audacious overstepping of their divinely appointed boundaries. It signifies an act of presumption, an arrogant reaching for authority and responsibility that does not rightfully belong to them. This phrase encapsulates the essence of their rebellion: an unwarranted expansion of their role as Levites into the exclusive domain of the Aaronic priesthood.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And put fire therein, and put incense in them before the LORD to morrow:"** This clause details Moses' instructions for the test. He commands Korah and his company to perform an act that was the exclusive privilege of the consecrated priests: bringing censers with fire and incense before the Lord. The specific mention of "to morrow" indicates a period for preparation and reflection, adding solemnity and allowing for a clear, public demonstration of God's judgment. This act, while seemingly simple, was fraught with danger for those not divinely appointed, as it directly challenged God's established order for worship and threatened the very holiness of the tabernacle.
* **"and it shall be [that] the man whom the LORD doth choose, he [shall be] holy:"** This is the core declaration of the divine test. Moses states the criterion for legitimacy: the one whom the Lord Himself singles out and elects for service is the one who is truly "holy" or set apart for that sacred function. This directly refutes Korah's claim that all Israelites are equally holy for priestly service. It underscores that true holiness for ministry is a divine impartation, not a self-proclaimed status or a matter of popular consensus. God's choice is the ultimate validation of authority.
* **"[ye take] too much upon you, ye sons of Levi."** This concluding phrase is Moses' direct and stinging rebuke to Korah and his fellow Levites. It highlights their presumption and overreach. As Levites, they had significant and honorable duties in the tabernacle service, but these were distinct from the priestly functions of Aaron's lineage. By seeking to perform priestly duties, they were exceeding their divinely appointed bounds, demonstrating a profound lack of respect for God's established order and an arrogant desire for authority not granted to them. This statement encapsulates the essence of their sin: rebellion against God's ordained structure.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 16:7 employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Moses' command for the rebels to offer incense, the very act they presumptuously claimed the right to perform, becomes the instrument of their exposure and judgment. What they intended as a demonstration of their equal holiness becomes the means by which their unholiness and unauthorized ambition are revealed. There is also strong **Foreshadowing** in Moses' words; the phrase "the man whom the LORD doth choose, he shall be holy" implicitly warns of the severe consequences for those not chosen, anticipating the dramatic divine judgment that follows. The verse also utilizes **Contrast** between divine election and human presumption, and between true holiness (divinely bestowed) and self-proclaimed holiness (human ambition). Moses' direct address, "ye sons of Levi," serves as a **Reproach** and a specific identification of the group who are "taking too much upon" themselves, emphasizing their specific transgression against their own divinely assigned roles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 16:7 is a foundational text concerning the nature of divine authority, the sanctity of appointed leadership, and the perils of presumption in spiritual matters. It teaches that true holiness for service is not a universal right or a self-attained status, but a divine bestowal, a setting apart by God for His specific purposes. The rebellion of Korah underscores that God's order, even when seemingly restrictive to human ambition, is designed for the proper functioning of His covenant community and the preservation of His holiness. This principle extends beyond the Old Testament priesthood, speaking to the necessity of respecting God-given authority and serving within the bounds of one's calling, recognizing that all legitimate spiritual authority flows from God's sovereign choice.

* [Hebrews 5:4](/hebrews/5-4 "Hebrews 5:4 - No One Takes This Honor to Himself"): "And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron."
* [1 Samuel 13:13-14](/1_samuel/13-13 "1 Samuel 13:13-14 - Saul's Disobedience and Loss of Kingship"): "And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee."
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities"): "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 16:7 serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of spiritual ambition, presumption, and disrespect for divinely established order. In an age where authority is often questioned and individual autonomy is highly valued, this verse calls believers to a profound humility before God and His chosen instruments. It reminds us that our service within the body of Christ is not based on self-appointment or a desire for prominence, but on God's call and gifting. True spiritual leadership and effective ministry flow from a heart submitted to God's will and respectful of the boundaries He has set. We are called to steward our gifts faithfully within our sphere of influence, recognizing that all legitimate authority and anointing come from Him. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts for any trace of Korah's spirit – a desire to usurp roles not given, to question legitimate authority, or to elevate personal ambition above divine appointment. Instead, we are to cultivate a spirit of humble service, trusting God's sovereign wisdom in placing each member within the body as He sees fit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "take too much upon myself" in my spiritual life or service, either by overstepping boundaries or by neglecting my divinely appointed responsibilities?**
* **How does my attitude towards spiritual authority (in the church, in my family, in society) reflect my understanding of God's sovereignty and His right to choose?**
* **What does it mean for me to be "holy" in my daily life and service, recognizing that my holiness is derived from God's setting me apart, not from my own efforts?**

### FAQ
**What was the specific sin of Korah and his company, and why was it so severely punished?**

Answer: The specific sin of Korah and his company was rebellion against God's divinely established order and authority. While Korah was a Levite, he was not of the Aaronic lineage, which God had exclusively designated for the priesthood (cf. [Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - Priestly Responsibilities")). His rebellion was twofold: first, he challenged Moses' leadership, accusing him of exalting himself ([Numbers 16:3](/numbers/16-3 "Numbers 16:3 - Korah's Accusation")); second, and more gravely, he sought to usurp the Aaronic priesthood, claiming that all the congregation was equally holy for priestly service. This was a direct assault on God's chosen method of mediating His presence and atonement. The severity of the punishment (the earth swallowing them and fire consuming others) underscored the extreme gravity of defying God's specific instructions regarding sacred office and the sanctity of His tabernacle, serving as a stark warning against unauthorized access to holy things and rebellion against His appointed leaders.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 16:7, with its emphasis on divine election for holiness and sacred service, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament priesthood was a shadow, pointing to a greater reality, Jesus is the [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") who was not chosen by human lineage or ambition, but "called of God, as was Aaron" ([Hebrews 5:4](/hebrews/5-4 "Hebrews 5:4 - Called by God")). Unlike the Aaronic priests who offered sacrifices repeatedly, Jesus offered Himself "once for all" ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's One Sacrifice")) as the perfect, spotless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), thereby fulfilling and superseding the entire sacrificial system. His holiness was not merely a conferred status but an intrinsic, divine purity. Through His perfect sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus inaugurated a new covenant where all believers, by virtue of their union with Him, become 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 through Him ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place")). The presumption of Korah stands in stark contrast to Christ's humble obedience, who "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")), not grasping for divine prerogative but willingly submitting to the Father's will, even to death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Thus, in Christ, God's chosen one is revealed, not to exclude, but to invite all who believe into a new, Spirit-empowered participation in His holy service.

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 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 Kings 18:17

¶ And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, [Art] thou he that troubleth Israel?

1 Kings 18:18

And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim.

Numbers 16:5

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.

2 Thessalonians 2:13

¶ But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

Matthew 21:23

¶ And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?

Matthew 21:27

And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.