Psalm 106:16

Modern

In the camp they envied Moses, as well as Aaron, the holy one of the LORD.

Traditional

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

Literal

And they were jealous of Moses in the camp, of Aaron, the holy one of YHWH.

Latin

Et irritaverunt Moysen in castris; Aaron, sanctum Domini.

Hebrew

English

In the camp they envied Moses, as well as Aaron, the holy one of the LORD.

The people became jealous because they wanted the same role as the priests God had chosen (see Numbers 16:1–35).
The earth opened up: See Numbers 16:28–33.

The Israelite community in exile confessed the Lord’s goodness and justice and their own past sins. From their humble state in exile, they asked for redemption and restoration. They hoped to be gathered back from all the places the Lord had scattered them in his anger.
The psalm ends with a memory of the Lord’s past mercy and hope for renewed mercy (Psalm 106:44–48). Israel failed, but the Lord remains constant.
Verses 1, 47–48 (along with Psalms 96; 105:1–15) are included in David’s song of praise recorded in 1 Chronicles 16:1–43.

Theme notes and profiles

Numbers 16:1–50
Now Korah son of Izhar, the son of Kohath son of Levi, along with some Reubenites—Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—conducted
Leviticus 21:10–12
The priest who is highest among his brothers, who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and has been ordained to wear the priestly garments, must not let his hair hang loose or tear his garments.
Exodus 28:36
You are to make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD.
Leviticus 21:6–8
They must be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God. Because they present to the LORD the food offerings, the food of their God, they must be holy.

Aaron: Moses' brother, first high priest of Israel Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt