Numbers 16:9

KJV

[Seemeth it but] a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?

KJV (with Strong's)

Seemeth it but a small thing {H4592} unto you, that the God {H430} of Israel {H3478} hath separated {H914} you from the congregation {H5712} of Israel {H3478}, to bring you near {H7126} to himself to do {H5647} the service {H5656} of the tabernacle {H4908} of the LORD {H3068}, and to stand {H5975} before {H6440} the congregation {H5712} to minister {H8334} unto them?

Complete Jewish Bible

Is it for you a mere trifle that the God of Isra'el has separated you from the community of Isra'el to bring you close to himself, so that you can do the work in the tabernacle of ADONAI and stand before the community serving them?

Berean Standard Bible

Is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel and brought you near to Himself to perform the work at the LORD’s tabernacle, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them?

American Standard Version

seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself, to do the service of the tabernacle of Jehovah, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 16:9 encapsulates Moses' impassioned rhetorical challenge to Korah and his rebellious Levite faction, exposing their profound ingratitude and spiritual blindness. Despite being uniquely separated by the God of Israel from the general congregation and granted the immense, sacred privilege of drawing near to Him for service in the tabernacle, Korah's group deemed these divine honors "a small thing," revealing their covetous ambition for the priesthood and their blatant rejection of God's established order and authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 16:9 is a pivotal moment within the dramatic and tragic narrative of Korah's rebellion, which unfolds across [Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion") and [Numbers 17](/numbers/17 "Numbers 17 - Aaron's Rod Buds"). This verse immediately follows Korah's audacious challenge to Moses and Aaron's divinely appointed leadership, where he asserts, "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")). Moses' response in verse 9 is not a defensive retort but a powerful, divinely inspired rebuke. It meticulously details the extraordinary privileges already bestowed upon Korah and his fellow Levites, aiming to expose the deep-seated ingratitude, spiritual blindness, and unholy ambition driving their rebellion. This rhetorical question sets the stage for God's swift and terrifying judgment, underscoring the gravity of challenging divine appointments and the inviolable sacredness of the tabernacle service and its associated roles.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Numbers 16 transpire during Israel's arduous wilderness wanderings, a period frequently punctuated by murmuring, rebellion, and tests of faith against God and His appointed leaders. The tabernacle, a meticulously designed portable sanctuary, served as the central locus of Israelite worship and the manifest presence of God, constructed according to precise divine instructions detailed in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Tabernacle Instructions"). The tribe of Levi was specifically chosen by God to assist the Aaronic priests (Aaron's lineage) in the sacred service of the tabernacle, encompassing duties such as bearing its components, setting it up, taking it down, and guarding its sanctity ([Numbers 3:5-10](/numbers/3-5 "Numbers 3:5-10 - Levites Appointed for Service")). This was an exclusive, consecrated privilege, distinguishing them profoundly from the other Israelite tribes. Korah, as a Kohathite Levite, already held a highly esteemed position within the Levitical hierarchy, being responsible for the most holy articles of the tabernacle ([Numbers 3:31](/numbers/3-31 "Numbers 3:31 - Kohathite Duties")). His ambition to usurp the priesthood, which was reserved exclusively for Aaron's family ([Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Aaron and Sons Appointed Priests")), was therefore particularly egregious and a direct affront to God's established order.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 16:9 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes pervasive throughout the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **divine appointment and authority**, emphasizing that leadership roles and sacred functions within God's covenant community are not self-appointed or democratically determined but are divinely ordained and bestowed. The rebellion itself underscores the profound dangers of **ingratitude and discontentment**, as Korah's faction disdains the immense, unique privilege already granted to them, coveting more and thereby rejecting God's generous provision. This verse also reinforces the **holiness and distinctiveness of priestly and Levitical service**, demonstrating that drawing "near to himself" for service was an extraordinary, sacred honor, not a common right. Furthermore, the narrative serves as a stark warning against **rebellion against God's chosen leaders**, illustrating the severe and often immediate consequences of defying divine order and authority, a theme echoed in other wilderness narratives such as the murmuring for meat in [Numbers 11](/numbers/11 "Numbers 11 - Murmuring for Meat") or the faithless report of the spies in [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - The Spies' Report and Rebellion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Small thing (Hebrew, _mᵉʻaṭ'_):** This word denotes something of little quantity, significance, or value. In Moses' rhetorical question, it highlights the profound spiritual blindness and ingratitude of Korah's faction. By considering their divinely appointed and highly privileged role as "a small thing," they reveal a distorted perception of God's grace and the immense honor He had bestowed upon them, trivializing a sacred calling.
* **Separated (Hebrew, _bâdal'_):** This term signifies a deliberate act of division, distinction, or setting apart for a specific, often sacred, purpose. Here, it underscores that the Levites' unique role was not a human decision or an arbitrary assignment, but a sovereign, purposeful act of election by the "God of Israel" Himself. It denotes a sacred demarcation, setting them apart from the general congregation for holy service and a unique relationship with the divine.
* **Bring you near (Hebrew, _qârab'_):** This verb conveys the idea of drawing close, granting access, or bringing into intimacy and proximity. In the context of tabernacle service, it speaks of an extraordinary privilege: the Levites were granted a unique proximity to God's manifest presence, a distinction not afforded to the general Israelite congregation. This "nearness" was directly linked to their sacred duties, underscoring the profound honor and intimacy inherent in their calling.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[Seemeth it but] a small thing unto you":** This is a potent rhetorical question, designed not to elicit an answer but to expose the profound ingratitude and spiritual blindness of Korah and his followers. Moses is essentially challenging their distorted perception, implying, "Do you truly consider this immense, unparalleled privilege to be insignificant or trivial?" It forces a confrontation with their devaluing of God's grace.
* **"that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel":** This clause emphasizes the divine origin and nature of the Levites' unique status. It was not Moses or Aaron who elevated them, but the sovereign "God of Israel" who personally chose, distinguished, and set them apart from the other tribes, marking them as His own special servants. This highlights the unassailable authority behind their calling.
* **"to bring you near to himself":** This phrase underscores the extraordinary intimacy and access granted to the Levites. Their service was not merely a task but a profound means of drawing into a special, consecrated relationship with God, a level of proximity and favor that was unparalleled for the common Israelite and a testament to their unique consecration.
* **"to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD":** This specifies the practical, sacred duties associated with their "nearness." Their work involved the meticulous care, transport, and maintenance of the very dwelling place of God, the Tabernacle. This was a holy and weighty responsibility that underscored their unique position as custodians of God's presence among His people.
* **"and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?":** This final clause describes their public role, serving as intermediaries and assistants to the priests, facilitating the worship life of the entire community. It was a visible, honorable position of service, recognized by all Israel, further emphasizing the public honor and responsibility of their divine appointment.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 16:9 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message and underscore the gravity of Korah's rebellion. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Seemeth it but a small thing unto you...?" This question is not posed to elicit an answer but to underscore the obvious absurdity, profound ingratitude, and spiritual blindness of Korah's challenge. It forces the audience to confront the glaring disparity between the immense, divinely bestowed privilege granted to the Levites and their disdainful perception of it. There is also significant **Irony** present; Korah claims Moses and Aaron have exalted themselves, yet it is Korah who, despite already holding a highly privileged position, seeks further exaltation, demonstrating his own unholy ambition and covetousness. The verse also employs powerful **Contrast**, setting the Levites' divinely appointed "nearness" to God and their sacred service against their "small" estimation of these honors, highlighting the vast chasm between divine generosity and human ingratitude.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 16:9 profoundly illustrates the principle of divine election and the sacredness of God-given roles within His covenant community. It reveals that true honor and authority stem from God's sovereign appointment, not human ambition or self-assertion. The Levites' ingratitude for their privileged access to God's presence and service serves as a timeless warning against discontentment with one's divinely ordained sphere of influence, emphasizing that even the most sacred callings can be devalued when spiritual pride and envy take root. This passage also underscores the inherent holiness of God and the careful boundaries He establishes for approaching Him, reminding us that access to His presence is a grace, not a right, and that challenging His established order carries severe consequences.

* [Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Aaron and Sons Appointed Priests")
* [Hebrews 5:4](/hebrews/5-4 "Hebrews 5:4 - No One Takes This Honor for Himself")
* [1 Corinthians 12:4-7](/1_corinthians/12-4-7 "1 Corinthians 12:4-7 - Diversity of Gifts, Unity in Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 16:9 serves as a powerful mirror for believers today, prompting us to examine our own hearts regarding our calling and service within God's kingdom. Do we truly appreciate the immense, unmerited privilege of being "separated" by God and "brought near to himself" through the atoning work of Jesus Christ? Or do we, like Korah, subtly deem our God-given roles, unique gifts, or current spheres of influence as "small things," constantly looking over the fence at what others have or what we perceive as "greater" ministries or more prominent platforms? This verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of profound gratitude for every opportunity to serve God, no matter how seemingly humble or hidden. It warns against the corrosive effects of spiritual ambition, envy, and discontentment, which can blind us to the unique honor and intimacy we already possess in Christ. True contentment and spiritual flourishing come from faithfully stewarding the grace and calling God has uniquely bestowed upon us, recognizing that every act of service, when done for His glory, is infinitely valuable and brings us into deeper communion with Him, fulfilling our purpose in His grand design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "small things" (privileges, roles, or gifts) in my spiritual life might I be taking for granted or failing to appreciate fully?**
* **How might discontentment or unholy ambition be subtly influencing my perspective on my current service or spiritual gifts within the body of Christ?**
* **In what tangible ways does my daily life demonstrate profound gratitude for the "nearness" to God that I have through Christ's finished work?**
* **How can I better embrace, faithfully steward, and find joy in the unique calling and position God has given me within His body, rather than coveting what others possess?**

### FAQ
**What was the specific role of the Levites, and why was it considered such a privilege?**

Answer: The Levites were a tribe divinely set apart by God to assist the Aaronic priests in the sacred service of the tabernacle. Their extensive duties included the meticulous transport of the tabernacle components during Israel's wilderness journeys, its careful setup and dismantling, guarding its sanctity, and performing various maintenance and ritual tasks ([Numbers 3:5-10](/numbers/3-5-10 "Numbers 3:5-10 - Levites Appointed for Service")). This role was considered an immense privilege because it brought them into direct, intimate proximity to God's dwelling place and sacred presence, allowing them to "draw near to himself" in a way that the general congregation could not. They were uniquely consecrated for holy work, acting as vital facilitators of Israel's worship and communion with God, a profound honor not granted to any other tribe.

**Why did Korah, a Levite, rebel if he already had a privileged position?**

Answer: Korah, though already holding a significant and privileged position as a Kohathite Levite responsible for the most sacred tabernacle articles ([Numbers 3:31](/numbers/3-31 "Numbers 3:31 - Kohathite Duties")), was driven by ambition, pride, and profound discontentment. He was not satisfied with his God-given role and coveted the higher office of the priesthood, which was reserved exclusively for Aaron and his descendants ([Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Aaron and Sons Appointed Priests")). His rebellion stemmed from a desire for greater authority and a refusal to acknowledge the divinely established boundaries for sacred service. He falsely believed that "all the congregation are holy" ([Numbers 16:3](/numbers/16-3 "Numbers 16:3 - Korah's Accusation")) and thus, any Israelite should be able to serve as a priest, effectively challenging God's sovereign choice and order.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 16:9, with its profound emphasis on divine separation, privileged access, and sacred service, finds its ultimate fulfillment and glorious transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Levites were "separated" to bring Israel near to God through the temporary, shadowy rituals of the tabernacle system. However, Christ is the one truly "separated" and eternally consecrated by God, not merely for service in a physical tabernacle, but as our perfect and eternal High Priest ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ, Holy and Separated")). Through His singular, perfect sacrifice on the cross, He has accomplished what the Levitical system could only foreshadow: He has decisively "brought us near" to God, not just to a physical tent or an earthly sanctuary, but into the very presence of the Father Himself ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by the Blood of Christ")). No longer is intimate access to God limited to a select few; through Christ, all believers are made "a royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), given bold and direct access to God's throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). The "service of the tabernacle" finds its spiritual reality in our worship and service as living sacrifices ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), empowered by the Holy Spirit. We are now able to stand before God and minister to Him and to one another, a privilege far exceeding that of the ancient Levites, all made possible by Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

Deuteronomy 10:8

At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.

Isaiah 7:13

And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; [Is it] a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?

Ezekiel 44:10

¶ And the Levites that are gone away far from me, when Israel went astray, which went astray away from me after their idols; they shall even bear their iniquity.

Ezekiel 44:11

Yet they shall be ministers in my sanctuary, [having] charge at the gates of the house, and ministering to the house: they shall slay the burnt offering and the sacrifice for the people, and they shall stand before them to minister unto them.

Numbers 1:53

But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.

Numbers 16:13

[Is it] a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except thou make thyself altogether a prince over us?

1 Samuel 18:23

And Saul's servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you [a] light [thing] to be a king's son in law, seeing that I [am] a poor man, and lightly esteemed?