What does Numbers 16:5 mean?

"And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him." - Numbers 16:5

"And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him." - Numbers 16:5

Numbers 16:5 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the Lord will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him."

This verse comes from a particularly intense and significant moment in the Old Testament. The context of this verse is the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron. These men, who were members of the tribe of Levi, sought to usurp the authority of Moses and Aaron and take over the leadership of the Israelites. They felt that they were just as qualified and worthy to lead as Moses and Aaron. However, their rebellion was ultimately a challenge to the authority that God had established through Moses.

In verse 5, Moses addresses Korah and his followers, confidently stating that "the Lord will show who are His, and who is holy." This declaration reflects Moses' deep faith in God's ability to intervene and demonstrate His authority. Moses is essentially telling Korah that it is not up to Moses or anyone else to determine who is chosen and favored by God, but rather it is God Himself who will make that known.

In the latter part of the verse, Moses goes on to say that the Lord will "cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him." This statement emphasizes the idea that God has a specific plan for His chosen people, and He will bring them closer to Himself. In this case, it was a direct challenge to Korah and his followers, as they sought to exalt themselves and their own desires rather than submitting to God's plan and authority.

Overall, this verse is a powerful declaration of God's sovereignty and His role in choosing and establishing leadership within the community of Israel. It serves as a reminder that God's authority is ultimate and that those who seek to defy it will ultimately face the consequences of their rebellion.

Symbolically, this verse can also be interpreted as a representation of the broader theme of divine authority and submission to God's will. The rebellion of Korah and his company serves as a cautionary tale, reminding readers of the dangers of pride and the consequences of challenging God's established order. It also highlights the importance of humility and obedience in the face of God's authority.

In a broader theological context, this verse also points to the concept of divine election and God's sovereignty in choosing His people. The language of being "chosen" and "caused to come near" emphasizes the idea that God has a specific plan and purpose for His chosen ones, and He will bring them into close relationship with Himself.

In conclusion, Numbers 16:5 is a powerful and significant verse within the larger narrative of the Old Testament. It encapsulates themes of divine authority, divine election, and the consequences of rebellion against God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and submission to God's will, and it highlights God's ultimate sovereignty in choosing and establishing His people.

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Numbers 16:5 Artwork

Numbers 16:5 - "And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him."

Numbers 16:5 - "And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him."

"And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him." - Numbers 16:5

"And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him." - Numbers 16:5

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Numbers 5:16 - "And the priest shall bring her near, and set her before the LORD:"

"And the priest shall bring her near, and set her before the LORD:" - Numbers 5:16

"And the priest shall bring her near, and set her before the LORD:" - Numbers 5:16

"¶ And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed." - Luke 5:16

"¶ And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed." - Luke 5:16

Numbers 16:18

Numbers 16:18

Numbers 5:5 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

Numbers 5:5 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

Numbers 11:16-26

Numbers 11:16-26

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Numbers 32:16-18

Numbers 32:16-18

Numbers 32:16-18

Numbers 16:16 - "And Moses said unto Korah, Be thou and all thy company before the LORD, thou, and they, and Aaron, to morrow:"

Numbers 16:16 - "And Moses said unto Korah, Be thou and all thy company before the LORD, thou, and they, and Aaron, to morrow:"

Numbers 11:5

Numbers 11:5

Numbers 25:16 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

Numbers 25:16 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

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Numbers 7:16 - "One kid of the goats for a sin offering:"

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Numbers 34:16 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

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Numbers 3:16 - "And Moses numbered them according to the word of the LORD, as he was commanded."

Numbers 16:36 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

Numbers 16:36 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

Numbers 16:23 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

Numbers 16:23 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

Numbers 16:44 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

Numbers 16:44 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

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Numbers 16:43 - "And Moses and Aaron came before the tabernacle of the congregation."

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Numbers 26:16 - "Of Ozni, the family of the Oznites: of Eri, the family of the Erites:"

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Numbers 28:16 - "And in the fourteenth day of the first month is the passover of the LORD."

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Numbers 16:20 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,"

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Numbers 33:16 - "And they removed from the desert of Sinai, and pitched at Kibroth-hattaavah."

"¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," - Numbers 5:5

"¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," - Numbers 5:5

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