Psalms 106:16-17
When men in the camp were jealous of Moses and Aaron, the holy one of the LORD, the earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The text highlights that Aaron is called "the saint of the LORD" not necessarily for personal perfection, but because of his sacred office, set apart by God. This distinction reveals that the rebels' envy wasn't just against individuals, but a rejection of God's chosen authority and order.
The Psalmist here recounts the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram in the wilderness, highlighting how they grew envious of Moses' leadership and Aaron's priestly authority. This discontent, stirred by pride and a false sense of equality, led them to challenge God's appointed leaders, resulting in divine judgment. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the grave consequences of challenging God's chosen representatives.
Have you ever felt that familiar sting of jealousy towards someone else's position or gifts? The Israelites did too, and it led them down a deadly path.
This verse points to a specific moment in Israel's history recorded in Numbers 16, where discontent simmered within the camp.
Jealousy of Authority
The people envied Moses and Aaron, not just their roles, but the authority God had given them. This wasn't just petty jealousy; it was a challenge to God's own appointment.
Envy as Rebellion
When the Psalmist says they 'envied Moses also in the camp,' he's highlighting that this envy wasn't simply a personal feeling. It led to outright rebellion against God's chosen leaders. To envy the one God has placed in authority is to question God's wisdom and sovereignty.
What does it mean for someone to be called 'the holy one of the LORD'? It's more than just personal piety.
The phrase 'Aaron the saint of the LORD' is crucial for understanding the gravity of the people's rebellion.
Appointed, Not Inherently Perfect
Commentators are quick to point out that 'saint' here refers to Aaron's official status as the High Priest, consecrated by God for a specific, holy purpose. It's about his appointed role, not necessarily his personal moral perfection (Moses, for instance, likely had greater personal holiness).
Sanctity of Office
Aaron was set apart, consecrated with oil, and bore sacred vestments, all signifying his unique position in mediating between God and the people. To rebel against Aaron in his role was to rebel against the very system of worship and access to God that the LORD had established.
God's Authority Embodied
By calling Aaron 'the holy one of the LORD,' the text emphasizes that he represented God's holiness and His chosen method of approach. The envy directed at Aaron was, therefore, a rejection of God's holy calling and authority.
Understand the original words
qana' · Hebrew Verb
A feeling of envy or resentment toward someone else's status, gifts, or authority; in a biblical context, it often refers to a rebellious dissatisfaction with God's appointed leadership.
qadosh · Hebrew Adjective
A person or thing set apart for God's use or presence; characterized by moral purity and separation from common, worldly, or defiled uses.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, revealing Him as the self-existent, faithful Redeemer who interacts personally with His people.
edah · Hebrew Noun
A gathering or assembly of people, often used in a negative sense to denote a rebellious or conspiratorial faction acting against God's order.
This verse echoes the dangerous rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. Their envy of Moses and Aaron wasn't just personal; it was a rejection of God's chosen leaders and His divine order for Israel, reminding us that challenging legitimate authority can be a challenge to God Himself.
c. 1440 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
God miraculously leads the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, a pivotal event establishing His covenant and power.
c. 1440-1400 BC
The Wilderness Journey Begins
After the Exodus, the Israelites embark on their journey to the Promised Land, facing challenges and testing God's faithfulness.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
The Rebellion of Korah
Korah, Dathan, and Abiram lead a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, challenging their God-given authority and the Levitical priesthood.
c. 1400 BC
Divine Judgment on Rebels
God directly intervenes, swallowing the rebels and consuming many with fire, demonstrating His fierce protection of His chosen leaders and order.
This passage directly details the 'envy' mentioned, showing how Korah and others challenged Moses and Aaron's God-given authority, claiming 'all the congregation is holy'.
Numbers 16:31-35These verses describe the terrifying divine judgment that followed the rebellion, with the earth swallowing up the dissenters and fire consuming others, illustrating the severe consequences of challenging God's chosen leaders.
Jude 1:11This New Testament passage directly references the rebellion of Korah, calling the participants 'gainsayers' and linking their actions to a pattern of resisting godly authority throughout history.
1 Corinthians 10:10This verse warns against 'grumbling' and 'complaining,' which reflects the spirit of the people in the wilderness, including their envy and rebellion against Moses and Aaron.
bensonPsalms 106:16: "They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the LORD."
Psalm 106:16-18 . They envied Moses also — His authority; in the camp — As generalissimo of the armies of Israel, and chief justice in all their courts; and Aaron — They envied him his power, as high-priest, on account of his consecration to which office he is here termed the saint of the Lord, and not on account of his inherent holiness, of which, undoubtedly, Moses had a greater share. Hereby the psalmist in…
clarkePsalms 106:16: "They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the LORD."
They envied Moses - A reference to the case of Korah and his company. Aaron the saint - The anointed, the high priest of the Lord.
The text highlights that Aaron is called "the saint of the LORD" not necessarily for personal perfection, but because of his sacred office, set apart by God. This distinction reveals that the rebels' envy wasn't just against individuals, but a rejection of God's chosen authority and order.
The Psalmist here recounts the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram in the wilderness, highlighting how they grew envious of Moses' leadership and Aaron's priestly authority. This discontent, stirred by pride and a false sense of equality, led them to challenge God's appointed leaders, resulting in divine judgment. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the grave consequences of challenging God's chosen representatives.
The Psalmist here recounts the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram in the wilderness, highlighting how they grew envious of Moses' leadership and Aaron's priestly authority. This discontent, stirred by pride and a false sense of equality, led them to challenge God's appointed leaders, resulting in divine judgment. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the grave consequences of challenging God's chosen representatives.
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c. 1400 BC
Aaron's Staff Blossoms
To confirm Aaron's authority as the high priest, God causes his staff to bud and blossom overnight, a sign against further rebellion.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
David unites the tribes and establishes Jerusalem as the capital, a time of national flourishing and religious significance.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom splits into the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah, leading to spiritual decline.
"When men in the camp were jealous of Moses and Aaron, the holy one of the LORD, the earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram." — The text highlights that Aaron is called "the saint of the LORD" not necessarily for personal perfection, but because of his sacred office, set apart by God. This distinction reveals that the rebels'…
