Numbers 16:46

KJV

And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} said {H559} unto Aaron {H175}, Take {H3947} a censer {H4289}, and put {H5414} fire {H784} therein from off {H6440} the altar {H4196}, and put {H7760} on incense {H7004}, and go {H3212} quickly {H4120} unto the congregation {H5712}, and make an atonement {H3722} for them: for there is wrath {H7110} gone out {H3318} from the LORD {H3068}; the plague {H5063} is begun {H2490}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe said to Aharon, "Take your fire pan, put fire from the altar in it, lay incense on it, and hurry with it to the assembly to make atonement for them, because anger has gone out from ADONAI, and the plague has already begun!"

Berean Standard Bible

Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer, place fire from the altar in it, and add incense. Go quickly to the congregation and make atonement for them, because wrath has come out from the LORD; the plague has begun.”

American Standard Version

And Moses said unto Aaron, Take thy censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and lay incense thereon, and carry it quickly unto the congregation, and make atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from Jehovah; the plague is begun.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 16:46 captures a pivotal and urgent moment in Israel's wilderness journey, immediately following the widespread rebellion of Korah and the congregation's subsequent grumbling against Moses and Aaron. As divine wrath erupts in a devastating plague, Moses swiftly commands Aaron, the High Priest, to take a censer with fire from the altar and offer incense. This desperate act of intercession and atonement is presented as the divinely ordained means to halt the destructive judgment, highlighting the critical role of the priesthood in mediating between a holy God and a sinful people during a crisis of immense spiritual and physical peril.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the dramatic climax of the rebellion narrative in [Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion and Divine Judgment"). It immediately follows the Lord's declaration of judgment upon the grumbling congregation, who had accused Moses and Aaron of killing the Lord's people after the earth swallowed Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, and fire consumed the 250 incense-offering leaders. The plague begins to sweep through the camp, prompting Moses' urgent command to Aaron. The preceding verses establish the profound challenge to God's divinely appointed leadership and the severe consequences of rejecting His authority, setting the stage for Aaron's desperate act of intercession. The narrative underscores the immediate and tangible nature of divine judgment when God's holiness is affronted.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the wilderness journey of the Israelites, a period marked by divine provision, covenant instruction, but also frequent rebellion and chastisement. The tabernacle system, including the priesthood and sacrificial rituals, had been recently established as the means by which a holy God could dwell among a sinful people. The "altar" refers to the bronze altar of burnt offering in the tabernacle courtyard, from which the sacred fire was taken. The "censer" was a vessel used for burning incense. Incense, made of specific spices, produced a fragrant smoke that ascended to God, often symbolizing prayers or an appeasing offering. The act of "making atonement" (Hebrew: *kaphar*) was central to Israelite worship, signifying the covering or purging of sin to restore relationship with God. This event occurs just after the initial establishment of these rituals, demonstrating their immediate practical necessity in the face of divine wrath.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 16:46 encapsulates several profound themes. First, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Wrath and Judgment**, showing God's immediate and severe response to persistent sin and rebellion against His established order. The phrase "wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun" vividly portrays the tangible consequences of defying God's holiness. Second, it highlights the critical role of **Atonement and Intercession**. Aaron's swift action, utilizing the divinely prescribed ritual of incense and fire from the altar, functions as a means of appeasing God's wrath and "covering" the people's sin, thereby halting the plague. This act underscores the necessity of a mediator between a holy God and a sinful humanity. Finally, the verse emphasizes the **Urgency and Efficacy of Obedience and Priestly Mediation**. Moses' command to "go quickly" and Aaron's immediate response demonstrate that swift, divinely authorized action can avert catastrophe, showcasing the life-saving power of priestly intercession, a role that foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, as seen in [Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Atonement (Hebrew, _kaphar_):** This verb fundamentally means "to cover," "to purge," or "to make propitiation." In the context of the Old Testament sacrificial system, it describes the act by which sin is covered or removed, appeasing divine wrath and restoring a right relationship between God and humanity. Aaron's action here is a specific, divinely prescribed ritual intended to "cover" the sins of the congregation, turning away God's destructive judgment. It is not merely a symbolic act but one with tangible, life-saving efficacy.
* **Wrath (Hebrew, _qetsef_):** This noun denotes a sudden, intense outburst of divine anger or indignation. Unlike human anger, God's wrath is always righteous and perfectly just, a holy response to sin and rebellion. In this context, it describes the immediate and devastating judgment unleashed upon the Israelites as a direct consequence of their persistent grumbling and defiance against God's appointed leaders. Its "going out" signifies its active, destructive manifestation.
* **Plague (Hebrew, _maggephah_):** This term refers to a divine visitation or stroke, often a pestilence or epidemic, sent as a judgment from God. It signifies a widespread, rapid, and deadly affliction. The phrase "the plague is begun" emphasizes the immediate and escalating nature of the divine judgment, underscoring the urgency of Aaron's intercession.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them:"** This opening clause details Moses' urgent, divinely inspired command to Aaron. The specific instructions—taking a censer, using fire from the sacred altar (signifying holy fire, not common fire), and adding incense—underscore the ritualistic and divinely ordained nature of the act. The command to "go quickly" highlights the extreme urgency of the situation, as lives are being lost by the moment. Aaron's mission is explicitly stated: "make an atonement for them," indicating that this ritual act is intended to appease God's wrath and provide a covering for the people's sin, thereby halting the plague.
* **"for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun."** This second clause provides the dire reason for Moses' urgent directive. It confirms that the divine judgment is not merely impending but has already commenced ("wrath gone out," "plague is begun"). This declaration emphasizes the immediate and tangible nature of God's holy response to the congregation's rebellion. The use of "the LORD" (Yahweh) underscores that this judgment originates directly from the covenant God of Israel, whose holiness demands a response to such flagrant sin. The phrase creates a sense of impending doom, emphasizing the critical need for immediate intercession.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 16:46 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Dramatic Irony**, as the very act of offering incense, which Korah and his rebellious company had presumptuously attempted, now becomes the divinely sanctioned means of salvation in the hands of the legitimate High Priest. This stark contrast underscores the sanctity of God's appointed order. The phrase "go quickly" is an example of **Emphasis** and **Urgency**, highlighting the life-and-death stakes of the moment. The repetition of the idea of divine judgment through "wrath gone out" and "the plague is begun" serves as **Foreshadowing** of the immediate and devastating consequences of sin, while also acting as a **Justification** for Aaron's swift, desperate action. The entire scene functions as a **Type** or **Prefigurement**, pointing forward to the ultimate, perfect intercession of Jesus Christ, our High Priest.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 16:46 profoundly illustrates the immediate and tangible consequences of sin and rebellion against God's authority, while simultaneously revealing God's provision for atonement and the critical role of intercession. It underscores the absolute necessity of a mediator between a holy God and a sinful humanity, a truth woven throughout the entire biblical narrative. The swiftness of divine judgment highlights God's unwavering holiness, yet the provision of Aaron's intercession demonstrates His mercy and desire for reconciliation, even in the midst of wrath. This passage serves as a vivid reminder that sin carries deadly consequences, but also that God has established a way for sin to be covered and His wrath to be appeased through divinely appointed means.

* [Leviticus 16:16](/leviticus/16-16 "Leviticus 16:16 - Atonement for the Sanctuary")
* [Psalm 106:29-30](/psalms/106-29-30 "Psalm 106:29-30 - Phinehas's Intercession")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood for Atonement")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 16:46 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us of the enduring gravity of sin and the indispensable power of intercession. Just as God's wrath was a tangible reality for the Israelites, so too are the consequences of rebellion against God's will in our own lives and in the world. This passage calls us to a deeper reverence for God's holiness and a recognition that sin is not to be trifled with. Moreover, Aaron's courageous act of standing between the living and the dead serves as a powerful model for our own call to intercession. We are urged to pray fervently for those caught in sin, for our communities, and for the world, recognizing that our prayers, though not atoning in themselves, are a vital part of God's plan to bring healing and reconciliation. It compels us to consider our own posture towards authority, both divine and human, and to respond with humility and obedience rather than grumbling and rebellion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the swiftness of God's judgment in this passage inform your understanding of His holiness and the seriousness of sin?**
* **In what ways are you called to "stand in the gap" for others through prayer and intercession in your daily life?**
* **What specific areas of your life or community might be in need of urgent spiritual intercession today?**
* **How does Aaron's immediate obedience challenge you to respond to God's commands with greater urgency and faith?**

### FAQ
**Why did God unleash a plague on the entire congregation, even if only some rebelled?**

Answer: The plague was a direct consequence of the *entire congregation's* grumbling and rebellion against Moses and Aaron *after* the initial judgment on Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. Numbers 16:41 explicitly states, "But on the next day all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD." This collective accusation and defiance against God's appointed leaders was seen as a direct affront to God Himself, demonstrating a deep-seated spiritual rebellion that warranted a widespread divine response. God's judgment often falls upon the community when corporate sin is widespread and unrepentant, as seen in other instances like the golden calf incident in [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf").

**What is the significance of Aaron using fire "from off the altar"?**

Answer: The fire "from off the altar" refers to the sacred fire that continually burned on the bronze altar of burnt offering in the tabernacle courtyard. This fire was divinely initiated (likely at the tabernacle's dedication, as implied in [Leviticus 9:24](/leviticus/9-24 "Leviticus 9:24 - Fire from the LORD")) and was considered holy. Using this specific fire, rather than "strange fire" (as offered by Nadab and Abihu in [Leviticus 10:1](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1 - Nadab and Abihu's Strange Fire")), was crucial for the ritual to be acceptable to God. It symbolized that Aaron's act of atonement was not a human innovation but a divinely ordained and consecrated act, performed according to God's precise instructions. It underscored the sanctity and authority of the priestly office and the tabernacle rituals.

**How did Aaron's act of atonement actually stop the plague?**

Answer: Aaron's act of atonement stopped the plague because it was a divinely prescribed and accepted means of appeasing God's wrath and covering the people's sin. The incense, rising as a sweet aroma, symbolized the prayers and intercession of the High Priest on behalf of the people, and the act itself was a ritual demonstration of propitiation. Numbers 16:48 states, "And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed." This demonstrates the immediate and efficacious nature of God's response to the divinely authorized act of atonement. While the mechanics are spiritual, the outcome was tangible: the plague ceased because God honored the intercession performed by His appointed mediator according to His will. This prefigured the ultimate and perfect atonement offered by Christ, as described in [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 16:46, with Aaron's urgent act of atonement, powerfully prefigures the ultimate and perfect intercession of Jesus Christ. Aaron, as the High Priest, stood between the living and the dead, offering a temporary covering for sin to avert immediate divine wrath. This act, though effective for its time, needed to be repeated and was limited by the priest's own sinfulness and mortality. In stark contrast, Jesus, our great [High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), entered the true tabernacle, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with [His own blood](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption"), securing an eternal redemption. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the perfect sacrifice whose death fully propitiated God's wrath against sin, as declared in [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ Our Propitiation"). Unlike Aaron, who merely covered sin, Christ's sacrifice completely removed it, making full and final atonement once for all, as underscored in [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Sacrifice"). Through His death and resurrection, He forever stands as our living intercessor, continually pleading our case before the Father, ensuring that for those who believe, there is [no condemnation](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus") and access to God's grace. Aaron's censer and incense were a shadow; Christ is the glorious reality.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 8:19

And I have given the Levites [as] a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the children of Israel, to do the service of the children of Israel in the tabernacle of the congregation, and to make an atonement for the children of Israel: that there be no plague among the children of Israel, when the children of Israel come nigh unto the sanctuary.

Isaiah 6:6

Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, [which] he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:

Isaiah 6:7

And he laid [it] upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.

Leviticus 10:6

And Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons, Uncover not your heads, neither rend your clothes; lest ye die, and lest wrath come upon all the people: but let your brethren, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which the LORD hath kindled.

1 Chronicles 27:24

Joab the son of Zeruiah began to number, but he finished not, because there fell wrath for it against Israel; neither was the number put in the account of the chronicles of king David.

Numbers 11:33

And while the flesh [was] yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague.

Numbers 18:5

And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar: that there be no wrath any more upon the children of Israel.