Exodus 16:9
And Moses spake unto Aaron, Say unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, Come near before the LORD: for he hath heard your murmurings.
Original Language Analysis
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עֲדַת֙
unto all the congregation
H5712
עֲדַת֙
unto all the congregation
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
8 of 17
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
9 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
10 of 17
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
קִרְב֖וּ
Come near
H7126
קִרְב֖וּ
Come near
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
11 of 17
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
12 of 17
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
13 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
14 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שָׁמַ֔ע
for he hath heard
H8085
שָׁמַ֔ע
for he hath heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
15 of 17
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
Historical Context
Aaron's priestly role begins to emerge before formal consecration at Sinai. His invitation to 'come near' uses priestly language that will later define his office.
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'coming near' to God both expose our sin and reveal His grace?
- What does God hearing our murmurings teach about His attentiveness even to unfaithful prayers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Come near before the LORD: for he hath heard your murmurings—Aaron's call to 'come near' (קָרַב, qarav) before YHWH is not invitation to intimacy but summons to stand before divine judgment tempered by mercy. Their murmurings have been 'heard' not because they are righteous complaints but because God chooses to respond with provision rather than wrath. This anticipates the greater priesthood where Christ brings rebellious people 'near' to God through His blood (Eph 2:13). The congregation must face God before receiving His gift, learning that divine presence both exposes sin and provides grace.