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?

Cross-references

Numbers 16:13 echoes the identical rhetorical question 'Is it a small thing?' from Dathan and Abiram's complaint against Moses.

Numbers 1:53 details the Levites' duty to guard the tabernacle — the same separation for service mentioned in Numbers 16:9.

Numbers 8:14-16 explicitly commands the separation of Levites for tabernacle service — a direct parallel to the separation described here.

Numbers 18:2-6 describes Levites ministering to Aaron and guarding the tent — the same service role highlighted in Numbers 16:9.

Numbers 3:6 Parallel

Numbers 3:6 commands bringing the Levites near to minister — the very privilege Moses reminds Korah he already possesses.

Numbers 3:41-45 explains God took Levites instead of firstborn — reinforcing their unique separation for service.

Numbers 4:3 Parallel

Numbers 4:3 defines the age and scope of Levitical service — specifying the work Korah was already appointed to do.

Deuteronomy 10:8 recounts God setting apart the tribe of Levi to minister and bless — echoing the separation for service here.

Ezekiel 44:11 describes faithful Levites ministering in the temple — a positive parallel to the service role established in Numbers 16:9.

Romans 1:1 Parallel

Romans 1:1 uses the same language of being 'separated' for God's service — Paul's apostleship mirrors the Levite's calling.

Exodus 28:1 Contrast

Exodus 28:1 shows Aaron's sons called to priesthood — a higher separation than the Levites' service Korah already had.

Deuteronomy 18:5 echoes the same language: God chose the tribe to stand and minister — reinforcing the divine appointment Moses cites.

Nehemiah 13:29 recalls the defiling of the priesthood/Levites — a later violation of the same sanctity Moses defends here.

Ezekiel 44:10 condemns unfaithful Levites — contrasting their failure with the honor of being separated for service in Numbers 16:9.

Malachi 2:5 Parallel

Malachi 2:5 speaks of God's covenant with Levi — the same covenant that gave Levi the separation and service Moses references.

2 Chronicles 35:3 Historical context

2 Chronicles 35:3 reminds Levites they are holy to the Lord and called to serve — a later application of the same separation principle.

Ezekiel 34:18 rebukes selfish shepherds with 'Is it not enough?'—parallels the discontent with assigned role in Korah's Levites.

1 Chronicles 6:48 summarizes the Levites' appointed service — confirming the role Korah was meant to embrace.

Acts 13:2 Allusion

Acts 13:2 records the Holy Spirit setting apart Barnabas and Saul — a NT echo of the OT pattern of separating Levites for God's work.