Psalms 106:16

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Context

Psalm 106 is a historical psalm, a communal lament, and a confession of Israel's persistent unfaithfulness throughout their history, contrasted with God's enduring mercy. This verse, Psalms 106:16, specifically references an incident during the wilderness wanderings, a period marked by numerous acts of rebellion against God and His appointed leaders. It follows earlier mentions of Israel's forgetfulness and disobedience after the Exodus (see Psalms 106:7 and 106:13).

Historical and Cultural Background

The verse refers to the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron, meticulously documented in Numbers chapter 16. Korah, a Levite, along with Dathan and Abiram from the tribe of Reuben, challenged the authority of Moses as the civil leader and Aaron as the high priest. Their grievance stemmed from a desire for more power and a questioning of God's chosen leadership structure, arguing that "all the congregation are holy, every one of them" (Numbers 16:3). This challenge was not merely against human leaders but against the divine appointments made by God Himself.

Key Themes

  • Envy and Jealousy: The primary theme is the destructive power of envy. The rebels were jealous of Moses' and Aaron's divinely appointed positions, leading to resentment and ultimately, open rebellion.
  • Rebellion Against Divine Authority: Challenging Moses and Aaron was tantamount to challenging God. Their leadership was not self-proclaimed but ordained by the LORD, making the rebellion a direct affront to God's sovereignty.
  • Consequences of Sin: This act of envy and rebellion led to severe judgment, with the earth opening up to swallow Dathan and Abiram, and fire consuming Korah and his followers (Numbers 16:31-35).
  • God's Holiness and Choice: Aaron is called "the saint of the LORD," emphasizing his consecrated status as the high priest, chosen and set apart by God for sacred service (see Exodus 28:1). This highlights the seriousness of envying those whom God has specifically chosen and sanctified.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "envied" is qana' (ืงึธื ึธื), which can mean to be zealous, jealous, or envious. In this context, it carries the negative connotation of covetous jealousy that leads to hostility and opposition. Aaron is described as "the saint of the LORD" (ืงึฐื“ื•ึนืฉื ื™ึฐื”ื•ึธื”, q'dosh Yahweh). The term qadosh (ืงึธื“ื•ึนืฉื) means "holy" or "set apart," underscoring Aaron's unique, consecrated role as God's chosen high priest, distinct from the rest of the Israelites.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of envy and rebellion, especially towards those in positions of leadership or authority, whether in the church, community, or home. It encourages:

  • Respect for Authority: A reminder to respect legitimate authority, particularly spiritual leadership, recognizing that God often works through appointed individuals.
  • Humility: An exhortation to cultivate humility and contentment, guarding against the destructive impulses of jealousy and pride that can lead to division and strife.
  • Trust in God's Appointments: An encouragement to trust God's sovereign choices, rather than questioning or undermining those He has set apart for specific roles.

Reflection

The envy displayed by the Israelites towards Moses and Aaron underscores a deeper spiritual issue: a lack of trust in God's wisdom and a desire to usurp His divine order. This historical account from Psalm 106:16 reminds us that true peace and order come from honoring God's appointments and resisting the destructive pull of jealousy and rebellion in our own hearts and communities.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 16:1 (8 votes)

    ยถ 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 (8 votes)

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

  • Leviticus 21:10 (3 votes)

    ยถ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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