Numbers 16:19

Authorized King James Version

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And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the congregation.

Original Language Analysis

וַיַּקְהֵ֨ל gathered H6950
וַיַּקְהֵ֨ל gathered
Strong's: H6950
Word #: 1 of 16
to convoke
עֲלֵיהֶ֥ם H5921
עֲלֵיהֶ֥ם
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 2 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
קֹ֙רַח֙ And Korah H7141
קֹ֙רַח֙ And Korah
Strong's: H7141
Word #: 3 of 16
korach, the name of two edomites and three israelites
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 4 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 5 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָֽעֵדָֽה׃ all the congregation H5712
הָֽעֵדָֽה׃ all the congregation
Strong's: H5712
Word #: 6 of 16
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
אֶל H413
אֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 7 of 16
near, with or among; often in general, to
פֶּ֖תַח against them unto the door H6607
פֶּ֖תַח against them unto the door
Strong's: H6607
Word #: 8 of 16
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
אֹ֣הֶל of the tabernacle H168
אֹ֣הֶל of the tabernacle
Strong's: H168
Word #: 9 of 16
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מוֹעֵ֑ד of the congregation H4150
מוֹעֵ֑ד of the congregation
Strong's: H4150
Word #: 10 of 16
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
וַיֵּרָ֥א appeared H7200
וַיֵּרָ֥א appeared
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 11 of 16
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כְבוֹד and the glory H3519
כְבוֹד and the glory
Strong's: H3519
Word #: 12 of 16
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
יְהוָ֖ה of the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֖ה of the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 13 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶל H413
אֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 14 of 16
near, with or among; often in general, to
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 15 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָֽעֵדָֽה׃ all the congregation H5712
הָֽעֵדָֽה׃ all the congregation
Strong's: H5712
Word #: 16 of 16
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

Analysis & Commentary

Korah gathered all the congregation against them—Korah's rebellion becomes a popular movement; he's mobilized the entire edah (עֵדָה, congregation/assembly) against Moses and Aaron. This reveals his political genius: framing the issue as 'liberation' from 'autocratic' leadership. Yet when they gather unto the door of the tabernacle, they force a divine verdict: the glory of the LORD appeared (kavod YHWH, כְּבוֹד יְהוָה).

The kavod—God's visible, weighty presence—manifests when His holiness is challenged. This is no mere power struggle but cosmic treason. The people side with Korah's democratic rhetoric against God's theocratic order. Numbers repeatedly shows Israel rejecting God's appointed leaders (ch. 11, 12, 14, 16, 20)—a pattern culminating in their rejection of Christ (John 19:15).

Historical Context

The 'glory of the LORD' appeared at critical junctures: Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:16), the tabernacle's inauguration (Exodus 40:34), and moments of rebellion. Its appearance often preceded judgment, as God's holiness cannot coexist with unchecked sin. The congregation's complicity made them liable.

Questions for Reflection

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