Psalms 106:16

Authorized King James Version

They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְקַנְא֣וּ
They envied
to be (causatively, make) zealous, i.e., (in a bad sense) jealous or envious
#2
לְ֭מֹשֶׁה
Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#3
בַּֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה
also in the camp
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
#4
לְ֝אַהֲרֹ֗ן
and Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#5
קְד֣וֹשׁ
the saint
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
#6
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection