And what is Aaron, &c.— This might be rendered, as agreeably to the original, what hath Aaron done, that you should murmur against him? As much as to say, Aaron had done nothing of himself, but had acted entirely under the direction of God. See Exodus 16:7.
REFLECTIONS.—How dire are the consequences of ambition! To this the greatest states and most flourishing churches may ascribe their ruin. 1. The ringleader in this rebellion was Korah, a near relation of Moses and Aaron, whose party was quickly increased by the addition of two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly. The spirit of rebellion is a spreading evil. 2. The quarrel was Aaron's preferment to the priesthood. They pretend, as equally holy, to have an equal right to it; and insinuate, that Moses and Aaron meant to aggrandize themselves, though God had in such an especial manner called them to their office. Note; (1.) The best of characters cannot stand before envy. (2.) Ambitious state or church reformers too often pretend that they design to humble others, but only mean, in fact, to exalt themselves. (3.) Moses falls on his face in prayer, lest such a mutiny should ruin them, and through grief to hear such an ungrateful accusation; he appeals to God to decide the controversy, and is ready to resign up all his power into the hand which gave it: to-morrow, the Lord shall choose whom he will have to serve him. Willing, however, to prevent an experiment which threatens to be so fatal to them, he expostulates, with those who will hear expostulation, on the evil of their conduct. Many were the blessings and privileges enjoyed by Korah and his brethren. They were Levites, distinguished by being set apart for God, honoured with the service of the tabernacle, and permitted to draw nearer to God than others. These peculiar distinctions should surely have contented them; but pride is never satisfied, nothing sufficeth them whilst the priesthood is withheld: this was rebellion joined with ingratitude. It was not Aaron, but Aaron's God, against whom they had lifted up their tongues. Note; (1.) Whoever are called to minister before the Lord should esteem it a distinguished privilege. (2.) Envy or ambition in ministers is double guilt.