Numbers 16:9

[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?

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?

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?

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?

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

In Numbers 16:9, Moses confronts Korah and his rebellious faction of Levites, who were challenging the divinely appointed leadership of Moses and Aaron. This verse serves as a powerful rhetorical question, highlighting the immense privilege the Levites already possessed in their sacred duties.

Context of Numbers 16:9

This verse is spoken by Moses during the dramatic rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against his and Aaron's authority. Korah, a Levite, along with 250 prominent men, accused Moses and Aaron of exalting themselves above the congregation, asserting that "all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them." Moses' question in verse 9 reminds Korah's group that far from being deprived, they had been uniquely honored by God. The Levites had a specific, crucial role in assisting the priests and maintaining the tabernacle, a service that brought them exceptionally "near" to God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Appointment and Privilege: Moses emphasizes that their separation for service was not a human decision but a divine act. God Himself had "separated you from the congregation of Israel" for a specific, honorable task. This highlights the concept of a unique divine calling.
  • The Honor of Service: The phrase "seemeth it but a small thing unto you" underscores the profound ingratitude and lack of appreciation exhibited by Korah's group. Serving in the Tabernacle of the LORD was a weighty and sacred privilege, not a minor duty.
  • Proximity to God: Being brought "near to himself" for service was an extraordinary favor, signifying intimacy and a special relationship with the Almighty. This was a distinction not granted to the general congregation.
  • Contentment vs. Ambition: The rebellion stemmed from discontentment with their God-given role and a desire for the higher priestly office. This verse serves as a rebuke to spiritual envy and unholy ambition, urging recognition of existing blessings.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "separated" is badal, which means to divide, distinguish, or set apart. This word clearly conveys God's deliberate and purposeful act of choosing the Levites for their specific duties, making their role distinct from the rest of Israel. The phrase "bring you near" comes from the Hebrew qarav, implying a drawing close, an intimate access to God's presence, particularly through their service in the tabernacle.

Practical Application

Numbers 16:9 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It challenges us to:

  • Appreciate Our Calling: Every believer is called to serve God in some capacity. We should not deem any God-given role as "small," but recognize the inherent honor and privilege in serving the Creator, whether in public ministry or quieter acts of devotion.
  • Guard Against Envy: This passage warns against the dangers of comparing our spiritual gifts or roles with others, and seeking positions not appointed by God. True spiritual authority comes from divine appointment, not human ambition.
  • Embrace Our Unique Place: Just as the Levites had a distinct role, so too does each member of the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 reminds us of the diversity of gifts given by the same Spirit for the common good. We are encouraged to find contentment and fulfillment in our own sphere of influence and service.
This verse encourages us to value the unique access and relationship we have with God through Christ, our great High Priest, and to serve Him with gratitude and humility.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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?