Bible Strands
Psalms 106:16
In the camp they envied Moses, as well as Aaron, the holy one of the LORD.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The psalmist addresses the congregation of Israel, recounting their wilderness rebellion immediately after God punished their fleshly cravings with a wasting disease. The narrative occurs at the precise moment before the earth swallows Dathan and Abiram's assembly.
The words — The Hebrew verb וַיְקַנְאוּ (va/y.kan'u) translates literally to "they envied" or "they were jealous," describing the camp's active resentment. This jealousy targets Moses and Aaron, who is explicitly designated קְדוֹשׁ יְהוָה (qədoš Yahweh), "holy one of Yahweh."
The thread — This specific camp rebellion against appointed leadership is recorded in Numbers 16:1, where Korah, Dathan, and Abiram organize the challenge. The designation "holy one of Yahweh" aligns with the consecration standards for the high priest in Leviticus 21:10 and the engraved plate in Exodus 28:36.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that opposing God-ordained authority invites immediate divine judgment. It requires the reader to examine their own posture toward those set apart for spiritual leadership.
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
They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the Lord.
Cross-references
- Numbers 16:1 Now Korah son of Izhar, the son of Kohath son of Levi, along with some Reubenites—Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—conducted
- Leviticus 21:10 The priest who is highest among his brothers, who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and has been ordained to wear the priestly garments, must not let his hair hang loose or tear his garments.
- Exodus 28:36 You are to make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD.
- Leviticus 21:6 They must be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God. Because they present to the LORD the food offerings, the food of their God, they must be holy.