Bible Strands
Numbers 16:9
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?
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Moses addresses Korah and the sons of Levi during the rebellion against the established tabernacle hierarchy. He speaks at the moment they demand the priestly office beyond their assigned Levitical duties.
The words — The Hebrew הַמְעַט (ha-ma‘at) literally means “too small” or “insufficient,” framing their complaint as a rejection of adequate provision. The verb הִבְדִּיל (hivdil) means “set apart,” denoting the formal distinction God enacted between the Levites and the rest of Israel.
The thread — The pattern of Levitical separation for tabernacle service runs through Deuteronomy 10:8, where Levi is designated to carry the ark and stand before the LORD. The rhetorical structure mirrors Isaiah 7:13’s “Is it not enough?” and anticipates Ezekiel 44:10’s judgment on Levites who abandoned their consecrated post.
Why it lands — The text states that God’s prior assignment and proximity are sufficient for service and require no advancement. It demands acceptance of a fixed role without demanding higher authority.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James 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 the Lord, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?
Cross-references
- Deuteronomy 10:8 At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day.
- Isaiah 7:13 Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, O house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God as well?
- Ezekiel 44:10 Surely the Levites who wandered away from Me when Israel went astray, and who wandered away from Me after their idols, will bear the consequences of their iniquity.
- Numbers 1:53 But the Levites are to camp around the tabernacle of the Testimony and watch over it, so that no wrath will fall on the congregation of Israel. So the Levites are responsible for the tabernacle of the Testimony.”
- Numbers 3:6 “Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him.
- Numbers 16:13 Is it not enough that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the wilderness? Must you also appoint yourself as ruler over us?
- 1 Samuel 18:23 But when Saul’s servants relayed these words to David, he replied, “Does it seem trivial in your sight to be the son-in-law of the king? I am a poor man and lightly esteemed.”
- Nehemiah 12:44 And on that same day men were appointed over the rooms that housed the supplies, contributions, firstfruits, and tithes. The portions specified by the Law for the priests and Levites were gathered into these storerooms from the fields of the villages, because Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who were serving.
- Genesis 30:15 But Leah replied, “Is it not enough that you have taken away my husband? Now you want to take my son’s mandrakes as well?” “Very well,” said Rachel, “he may sleep with you tonight in exchange for your son’s mandrakes.”
- Numbers 3:41 You are to take the Levites for Me—I am the LORD—in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of all the firstborn of the livestock of the Israelites.”