Numbers 16:9
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?
Original Language Analysis
הַמְעַ֣ט
Seemeth it but a small thing
H4592
הַמְעַ֣ט
Seemeth it but a small thing
Strong's:
H4592
Word #:
1 of 21
a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)
מִכֶּ֗ם
H4480
מִכֶּ֗ם
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 21
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הִבְדִּיל֩
hath separated
H914
הִבְדִּיל֩
hath separated
Strong's:
H914
Word #:
4 of 21
to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)
אֱלֹהֵ֨י
unto you that the God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֨י
unto you that the God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 21
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
6 of 21
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֶתְכֶם֙
H853
אֶתְכֶם֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָֽעֵדָ֖ה
the congregation
H5712
הָֽעֵדָ֖ה
the congregation
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
8 of 21
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
9 of 21
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
לְהַקְרִ֥יב
to bring you near
H7126
לְהַקְרִ֥יב
to bring you near
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
10 of 21
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
אֶתְכֶ֖ם
H853
אֶתְכֶ֖ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לַֽעֲבֹ֗ד
to himself to do
H5647
לַֽעֲבֹ֗ד
to himself to do
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
13 of 21
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִשְׁכַּ֣ן
of the tabernacle
H4908
מִשְׁכַּ֣ן
of the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
16 of 21
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
17 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְלַֽעֲמֹ֛ד
and to stand
H5975
וְלַֽעֲמֹ֛ד
and to stand
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
18 of 21
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
לִפְנֵ֥י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֥י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
19 of 21
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Cross References
Isaiah 7:13And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?Deuteronomy 10:8At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.Nehemiah 12:44And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.Numbers 1:53But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.Numbers 16:13Is it a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except thou make thyself altogether a prince over us?Numbers 3:6Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister unto him.1 Samuel 18:23And Saul's servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be a king's son in law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed?
Historical Context
Being 'brought near' expressed special favor—the Levites had access and service other Israelites lacked. Their duties included caring for the tabernacle, assisting priests, and teaching the people (Deuteronomy 33:10). They enjoyed both spiritual privilege and material provision (Numbers 18), yet they craved more.
Questions for Reflection
- How does focusing on what you lack rather than what God has given breed discontent?
- What spiritual privileges do you take for granted that others would treasure?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses' rhetorical question highlighted the privilege already granted: separated from the congregation to draw near to God, serve in the tabernacle, minister to the people. This inventory of blessings exposed the ingratitude underlying their complaint. Rebellion often begins not with lack of blessing but with unthankfulness for blessings received.