Psalms 106:16

KJV

They envied Moses also in the camp, [and] Aaron the saint of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

They envied {H7065} Moses {H4872} also in the camp {H4264}, and Aaron {H175} the saint {H6918} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In the camp they were jealous of Moshe and Aharon, ADONAI's holy one.

Berean Standard Bible

In the camp they envied Moses, as well as Aaron, the holy one of the LORD.

American Standard Version

They envied Moses also in the camp, AndAaron the saint of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 106:16 succinctly captures a pivotal moment of Israel's persistent rebellion during their wilderness wanderings, specifically referencing the destructive envy directed at Moses, God's chosen leader, and Aaron, the divinely consecrated high priest. This verse serves as a profound testament to humanity's recurring inclination to challenge divine authority and reject God's appointed servants, powerfully illustrating the perilous consequences of jealousy, insubordination, and a disregard for God's established order.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 106 is a communal lament and a historical psalm, recounting Israel's tumultuous journey from the Exodus through the wilderness and into the Promised Land, emphasizing their persistent unfaithfulness and God's enduring mercy. It functions as a national confession of sin, contrasting the people's repeated acts of rebellion with the Lord's steadfast love. Verse 16 is situated within a series of specific historical transgressions, following earlier accounts of Israel's forgetfulness at [the Red Sea](/psalms/106-7 "Psalm 106:7 - Rebellion at the Red Sea") and their impatience and craving in [the wilderness](/psalms/106-13-15 "Psalm 106:13-15 - Craving and Rebellion"). This verse specifically points to the rebellion against Moses and Aaron, setting the stage for the severe divine judgment that followed, underscoring the gravity of challenging God's chosen leadership.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The incident referenced in [Psalms 106:16](/psalms/106-16 "Psalm 106:16 - Envy of Moses and Aaron") directly alludes to the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, detailed extensively in [Numbers chapter 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - The Rebellion of Korah"). Korah, a Levite, along with Dathan and Abiram from the tribe of Reuben, mounted a significant challenge to the divinely ordained leadership structure. Moses served as the civil and spiritual leader, while Aaron was consecrated as the high priest. Their grievance, articulated in [Numbers 16:3](/numbers/16-3 "Numbers 16:3 - Korah's Challenge"), questioned the exclusive authority of Moses and Aaron, arguing for a more egalitarian priesthood: "All the congregation are holy, every one of them." This was not merely a political dispute; it was a profound theological challenge to God's sovereign choice and the distinct roles He had established for the orderly functioning of the Israelite community and its worship.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within [Psalm 106](/psalms/106 "Psalm 106 - Israel's Rebellions and God's Mercy") and the broader Pentateuchal narrative. First, **Envy and Jealousy** stand out as a destructive force. The "envy" (קָנָא, _qânâʼ_) directed at Moses and Aaron stemmed from a covetous desire for their divinely appointed positions, leading to resentment and open rebellion. Second, the incident powerfully illustrates **Rebellion Against Divine Authority**. Challenging Moses and Aaron was a direct affront to God Himself, as their leadership was not self-proclaimed but divinely ordained, making the rebellion an act of cosmic insubordination. Third, the narrative highlights the **Consequences of Sin**, particularly the severe judgment that follows such defiance. The earth opening to swallow Dathan and Abiram ([Numbers 16:31-33](/numbers/16-31-33 "Numbers 16:31-33 - Earth Swallows Rebels")) and fire consuming Korah and his followers ([Numbers 16:35](/numbers/16-35 "Numbers 16:35 - Fire Consumes Rebels")) serves as a stark warning. Finally, the phrase "Aaron the saint of the LORD" underscores **God's Holiness and Choice**, emphasizing Aaron's consecrated status as high priest, chosen and set apart by God for sacred service ([Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Aaron's Consecration")). This accentuates the gravity of envying those whom God has specifically chosen and sanctified for His purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Envied (Hebrew, _qânâʼ'_):** This verb, derived from a primitive root, signifies a profound emotional state, often negative. While _qânâʼ_ can denote positive zeal or jealousy (e.g., God's jealousy for His people), in this context, it unequivocally signifies a covetous, hostile, and bitter envy. It describes a deep resentment felt towards another's possessions, status, or advantages, leading to a destructive desire to undermine or usurp them. Here, it highlights the perilous nature of human jealousy when directed against divinely appointed authority.
* **Saint (Hebrew, _qâdôwsh'_):** The word _qâdôwsh_ means "sacred," "set apart," or "consecrated." When applied to Aaron, it emphatically highlights his unique status as the high priest, chosen by God and consecrated for sacred service to the Lord. It signifies that Aaron's authority and position were not self-derived or based on human merit, but were divinely ordained and set apart for God's specific purposes. To envy "the saint of the LORD" was, therefore, not merely to oppose a man, but to directly challenge God's own choice and to disrespect His holiness and the sacred office He established.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They envied Moses also in the camp":** The pronoun "They" refers to the rebellious faction within Israel, primarily Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, along with their numerous followers, who harbored deep resentment towards Moses' leadership. The act of "envying" signifies their covetous desire for Moses' authority and their bitter opposition to his God-given role as the primary leader and mediator. The phrase "in the camp" grounds the rebellion in the immediate context of Israel's wilderness journey, emphasizing that this act of defiance occurred within the very community that had witnessed God's miraculous provisions and leadership through Moses, making their ingratitude and insubordination all the more heinous.
* **"[and] Aaron the saint of the LORD":** This clause extends the object of their envy to Aaron, Moses' brother and the divinely appointed high priest. The title "the saint of the LORD" (קְדוֹשׁ יְהוָה, _q'dosh Yᵉhôvâh_) is profoundly significant, affirming Aaron's consecrated status and unique role as God's chosen representative for priestly duties. To envy Aaron was not merely to oppose a man, but to challenge God's direct appointment and the sanctity of the priesthood He had established, making the rebellion an act of sacrilege and a direct affront to the Lord Himself.

#### Literary Devices
[Psalms 106:16](/psalms/106-16 "Psalm 106:16 - Envy of Moses and Aaron") employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Allusion**, specifically to the detailed account of Korah's rebellion found in [Numbers chapter 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - The Rebellion of Korah"). By succinctly referencing this well-known historical event, the psalmist evokes the full weight of Israel's defiant past and the severe divine judgment that followed. There is also an implicit **Juxtaposition** between Moses and Aaron, highlighting that the rebellion targeted both the civil and spiritual heads of the community, underscoring the comprehensive nature of their insubordination against God's established order. Furthermore, the phrase "the saint of the LORD" functions as a significant **Epithet** for Aaron, emphasizing his consecrated status and divine legitimacy. This title not only validates Aaron's position but also implicitly creates a powerful **Contrast** between the unholy, covetous envy of the rebels and the sacred, set-apart nature of God's chosen high priest, thereby amplifying the gravity of their sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The envy directed at Moses and Aaron in [Psalms 106:16](/psalms/106-16 "Psalm 106:16 - Envy of Moses and Aaron") transcends a mere personal grievance; it reveals a profound theological truth about the nature of sin and divine authority. Envy, as depicted here, is not a superficial emotion but a destructive force that undermines community, challenges God's sovereignty, and disregards His chosen instruments. This incident underscores that rebellion against God's appointed leaders is, at its core, rebellion against God Himself. It highlights the principle that God establishes order and appoints individuals for specific roles, and to resist these appointments is to resist the divine will. The severity of the judgment on Korah and his company serves as a perpetual warning against the perils of pride, covetousness, and the desire to usurp positions that God has consecrated.

* [Numbers 16:1-3](/numbers/16-1-3 "Numbers 16:1-3 - Korah's Rebellion Initiated")
* [Proverbs 27:4](/proverbs/27-4 "Proverbs 27:4 - The Destructive Power of Envy")
* [Hebrews 13:17](/hebrews/13-17 "Hebrews 13:17 - Obeying Spiritual Leaders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient account of envy and rebellion in [Psalms 106:16](/psalms/106-16 "Psalm 106:16 - Envy and Rebellion") resonates with profound relevance for contemporary believers. It serves as a potent warning against the insidious nature of envy, which, left unchecked, can fester into open rebellion and division within any community, whether familial, professional, or ecclesiastical. This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts for any seeds of jealousy towards those God has placed in positions of influence or authority. True spiritual maturity involves cultivating humility, recognizing God's sovereign hand in appointing leaders, and submitting to legitimate authority, not out of fear, but out of reverence for the God who establishes order. Rather than questioning or undermining, we are called to pray for, support, and honor those who bear the weight of leadership, trusting that God works through His chosen vessels, however imperfect they may seem to our human eyes. This passage encourages a posture of contentment with our own calling and a commitment to unity, guarding against the destructive impulses of pride and covetousness that seek to dismantle God's divine order.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might envy or resentment towards others' positions or gifts manifest in my own life or within my community?**
* **How does my attitude towards leadership, particularly spiritual leadership, reflect my trust in God's sovereign appointments?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate humility and contentment, guarding against the destructive impulses of jealousy and pride?**

### FAQ
**Why was Aaron specifically called "the saint of the LORD" in this context?**

Answer: Aaron was called "the saint of the LORD" (קְדוֹשׁ יְהוָה, _q'dosh Yᵉhôvâh_) because he was divinely chosen and consecrated by God for the unique office of the high priesthood. This title emphasizes his set-apart status and the sacred nature of his role, which involved mediating between God and Israel, offering sacrifices, and entering the Most Holy Place. His appointment was not by human will but by divine decree, as detailed in [Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Aaron's Consecration") and [Leviticus chapter 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons"). By calling him "the saint of the LORD," the psalmist underscores that the rebellion against Aaron was not merely against a man, but against God's holy choice and the very order He had established for worship and governance in Israel. To envy Aaron was to despise God's holiness and His sovereign design.

**What were the immediate consequences of the rebellion mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, fueled by the envy mentioned in [Psalms 106:16](/psalms/106-16 "Psalm 106:16 - Envy of Moses and Aaron"), resulted in severe and immediate divine judgment. As recorded in [Numbers 16:31-35](/numbers/16-31-35 "Numbers 16:31-35 - Divine Judgment on the Rebels"), the earth miraculously opened up and swallowed Dathan, Abiram, and their households alive, along with their possessions. Simultaneously, a fire from the Lord consumed Korah and 250 of his followers who were offering incense, demonstrating God's fierce wrath against those who usurp His authority and profane His sacred offices. This dramatic judgment served as a stark warning to the entire Israelite community about the gravity of challenging God's chosen leaders and His established order.

**Does this verse imply that believers should never question or critique leadership?**

Answer: While [Psalms 106:16](/psalms/106-16 "Psalm 106:16 - Envy and Rebellion") strongly condemns envy and rebellion against divinely appointed authority, it does not imply an absolute prohibition against all forms of questioning or critique. The nature of Korah's rebellion was rooted in a covetous desire to usurp authority and a direct challenge to God's explicit appointments, not a constructive critique aimed at improvement or accountability. The Bible elsewhere encourages discernment and accountability for leaders ([1 Timothy 5:19-20](/1_timothy/5-19-20 "1 Timothy 5:19-20 - Accusations Against Elders") for example), but always within a framework of respect, humility, and submission to God's ultimate authority. This verse primarily warns against the destructive, prideful, and envious spirit that seeks to undermine rather than build up, and to usurp rather than serve. The key is the heart's motivation: is it envy and rebellion, or genuine concern for truth and righteousness?

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The envy directed at Moses and Aaron in [Psalms 106:16](/psalms/106-16 "Psalm 106:16 - Envy of Moses and Aaron") serves as a poignant foreshadowing of the ultimate rejection of God's perfect chosen one, Jesus Christ. Just as Moses was God's prophet and leader, and Aaron His consecrated high priest, Jesus embodies the fulfillment of both roles: the Prophet like Moses ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Prophet Like Moses")) and the Great High Priest after the order of Melchizedek ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus Our High Priest")). Yet, He too faced intense envy from the religious leaders of His day, who, like Korah, resented His divine authority and challenged His claims ([Matthew 27:18](/matthew/27-18 "Matthew 27:18 - Pilate's Recognition of Envy")). Their envy culminated in His crucifixion, the ultimate act of rebellion against God's Anointed One. However, unlike Moses and Aaron, whose authority was challenged but ultimately upheld, Jesus' vindication came through His resurrection and ascension, establishing Him as Lord of all ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation")). Thus, [Psalms 106:16](/psalms/106-16 "Psalm 106:16 - Envy and Rebellion") not only warns against the destructive nature of envy but also points forward to the supreme authority of Christ, whose divine appointment cannot be overthrown, and whose reign is eternal, offering a stark contrast to the fleeting power sought by human rebels.

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 16:1

¶ Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took [men]:

Numbers 16:50

And Aaron returned unto Moses unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the plague was stayed.

Leviticus 21:10

¶ And [he that is] the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;

Leviticus 21:12

Neither shall he go out of the sanctuary, nor profane the sanctuary of his God; for the crown of the anointing oil of his God [is] upon him: I [am] the LORD.

Leviticus 21:6

They shall be holy unto their God, and not profane the name of their God: for the offerings of the LORD made by fire, [and] the bread of their God, they do offer: therefore they shall be holy.

Leviticus 21:8

Thou shalt sanctify him therefore; for he offereth the bread of thy God: he shall be holy unto thee: for I the LORD, which sanctify you, [am] holy.

Exodus 28:36

And thou shalt make a plate [of] pure gold, and grave upon it, [like] the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.