Numbers 16:47

KJV

And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Aaron {H175} took {H3947} as Moses {H4872} commanded {H1696}, and ran {H7323} into the midst {H8432} of the congregation {H6951}; and, behold, the plague {H5063} was begun {H2490} among the people {H5971}: and he put {H5414} on incense {H7004}, and made an atonement {H3722} for the people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Aharon took it, as Moshe had said, and ran into the middle of the assembly. There the plague had already begun among the people, but he added the incense and made atonement for the people.

Berean Standard Bible

So Aaron took the censer as Moses had ordered and ran into the midst of the assembly. And seeing that the plague had begun among the people, he offered the incense and made atonement for the people.

American Standard Version

And Aaron took as Moses spake, and ran into the midst of the assembly; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on the incense, and made atonement for the people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 16:47 depicts the dramatic climax of divine judgment and priestly intercession following the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. As a devastating plague, a direct consequence of the congregation's murmuring and defiance against God's appointed leaders, sweeps through the Israelite camp, Aaron, at Moses' urgent command, swiftly takes a censer filled with burning coals and incense. He courageously runs into the very midst of the dying people, placing himself as a mediator between the living and the dead. His immediate and obedient act of offering incense serves as a profound intercession, effectively making atonement for the people and miraculously halting the deadly plague, thereby demonstrating God's swift justice and His gracious provision for mercy through a divinely ordained mediator.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 16:47 serves as the climactic and redemptive moment within the severe judgment unleashed by God in response to the rebellion initiated by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. The preceding narrative details the earth swallowing Korah's company whole and fire consuming the 250 rebel leaders who presumptuously offered unauthorized incense. Despite these clear and terrifying demonstrations of divine wrath, the very next day, the entire congregation of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron, accusing them of having "killed the people of the Lord" as recorded in [Numbers 16:41](/numbers/16-41 "Numbers 16:41 - The Congregation Murmurs"). This renewed act of rebellion and distrust provoked God's immediate and overwhelming wrath, resulting in a sudden, deadly plague that began to consume the people. Moses, discerning God's judgment and recognizing the extreme urgency of the crisis, quickly commanded Aaron in [Numbers 16:46](/numbers/16-46 "Numbers 16:46 - Moses Commands Aaron to Intercede") to take a censer with fire from the altar and incense, symbolizing prayer and mediation, and to "make atonement for them" by standing between the living and the dead. Verse 47 records Aaron's swift, courageous, and obedient response, which directly led to the staying of the plague, bringing a dramatic halt to the divine judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Numbers 16 unfold during Israel's wilderness wanderings, a period profoundly shaped by God's direct governance, miraculous provision, and severe discipline for disobedience. The Tabernacle, with its precise rituals and divinely ordained priesthood, stood as the central hub of Israelite worship and the tangible dwelling place of God's holy presence among His people. Aaron, as the High Priest, held a unique and sacred office, serving as the primary mediator between a holy God and a sinful nation. Incense (`qetoreth`) was a crucial element in Tabernacle worship, representing the prayers of the saints ascending to God and frequently employed in rites of purification and atonement. The concept of a plague (`negeph`) as a direct divine judgment for sin, particularly rebellion against God's chosen leadership, was a recurring and terrifying theme in Israel's history, consistently highlighting God's absolute sovereignty and the dire consequences of defying His authority. Aaron's action of running into the midst of the congregation with incense was not a spontaneous human invention but a divinely prescribed act of intercession, deeply rooted in the established priestly duties, albeit performed with extraordinary urgency and courage in this moment of national crisis.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 16:47 powerfully illustrates several foundational themes central to the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the **seriousness of rebellion against God's authority**, particularly against His appointed leaders, demonstrating that such defiance leads to swift and devastating divine judgment. The plague serves as a stark and terrifying reminder of God's holiness and His intolerance for sin, emphasizing that even after previous judgments, continued rebellion incurs severe consequences. Secondly, the verse highlights the critical role of **intercession and mediation**. Aaron's courageous act of placing himself between the living and the dead, armed with incense and the authority of his priestly office, powerfully demonstrates the necessity of a mediator to bridge the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity. This act of intercession is directly linked to the theme of **atonement**, as Aaron's offering of incense is explicitly stated to "make an atonement for the people." This temporary covering for sin, achieved through priestly action, was a vital component of Israel's covenant relationship with God, foreshadowing the ultimate and perfect atonement yet to come. Finally, the narrative emphasizes the importance of **prompt obedience and urgency** in responding to God's commands, especially in moments of crisis, showcasing Aaron's immediate and desperate run into the congregation as a profound model of faithful and compassionate service in the face of divine wrath. These themes collectively point to God's unwavering justice, His merciful provision for salvation, and the essential role of priesthood in His unfolding redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **ran (Hebrew, _rûwts'_):** This primitive root signifies a swift, urgent, and deliberate movement, often implying a rush or a hurried pace. In the context of Numbers 16:47, Aaron's "running" is not merely a quick walk but an immediate, desperate, and energetic dash into the heart of the dying congregation. It emphasizes the extreme urgency of the situation and Aaron's prompt obedience to Moses' command, highlighting the life-or-death stakes involved and the desperate need for immediate intercession to halt the spreading plague. It conveys a sense of desperate haste driven by compassion and duty.
* **plague (Hebrew, _negeph'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to trip" or "to strike," _negeph_ refers specifically to a divine judgment, often manifested as a sudden and devastating affliction or epidemic. It is not a natural disaster but a direct act of God's wrath, a "stroke" or "blow" from the Almighty. Its presence signifies God's active intervention in judgment against sin and rebellion. The fact that the plague "was begun among the people" indicates its rapid onset and deadly efficacy, confirming God's immediate and severe response to their murmuring.
* **atonement (Hebrew, _kâphar'_):** This foundational theological term, a primitive root, literally means "to cover," "to purge," or "to make reconciliation." In the Old Testament sacrificial system, _kâphar_ describes the process by which sin is covered or expiated, God's wrath is appeased, and relationship with Him is restored. It does not imply that sin is erased but that its penalty is temporarily or ritually dealt with, allowing God's holy presence to remain among a sinful people. In this context, Aaron's incense offering, combined with his intercessory posture, served as the divinely appointed means to "cover" the people's sin, turn away God's destructive wrath, and bring the plague to a halt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Aaron took as Moses commanded,"**: This clause immediately establishes Aaron's obedient response to divine instruction, conveyed through Moses. It highlights the chain of command and the necessity of following God's prescribed methods for dealing with His wrath. Aaron's action is not arbitrary but a direct and immediate response to a specific, urgent directive, underscoring the importance of faithful adherence to God's revealed will.
* **"and ran into the midst of the congregation;"**: This phrase emphasizes the speed, courage, and desperate urgency of Aaron's response. He did not hesitate but immediately moved into the very center of the unfolding disaster, where people were actively dying. His physical placement "between the living and the dead" (as explicitly stated in [Numbers 16:48](/numbers/16-48 "Numbers 16:48 - Aaron Stands Between the Living and the Dead")) is crucial, signifying his role as a mediator who physically interposes himself between God's judgment and the people.
* **"and, behold, the plague was begun among the people:"**: This parenthetical observation underscores the desperate urgency and terrifying reality of the situation. The plague was not merely threatened; it was already actively consuming lives, validating Moses' immediate command and Aaron's swift action. The interjection "behold" draws the reader's attention to the terrifying reality of God's judgment in progress, emphasizing the immediacy and severity of the divine wrath.
* **"and he put on incense,"**: This describes the specific action Aaron performed. Incense, a fragrant mixture burned in the censer, was a potent symbol of prayer and intercession ascending to God. In this context, it was not merely a ritual but a powerful act of priestly mediation, a divinely appointed means to appeal to God's mercy and turn back His wrath. The act signifies a direct appeal to God's presence and power.
* **"and made an atonement for the people."**: This final clause states the direct and immediate effect of Aaron's action. Through his obedient intercession with the incense, atonement was made, meaning the people's sin was "covered" in a way that satisfied God's justice and allowed His wrath to be appeased. This act of atonement was the divinely ordained mechanism by which the plague was halted, demonstrating God's sovereign power to both judge and show mercy in response to faithful mediation.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 16:47 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological and dramatic impact. The passage employs **Juxtaposition**, sharply contrasting the people's persistent rebellion and the swift, devastating divine judgment with Aaron's immediate, courageous, and obedient act of intercession. This highlights the stark difference between human sinfulness and God's gracious provision for mercy. **Symbolism** is central, with the incense representing the prayers and intercession of the high priest ascending to God, a fragrant offering that turns away wrath. The censer itself, carrying the "fire from the altar," symbolizes the sacred means by which God's presence and power are mediated. The phrase "the plague was begun" functions as a form of **Dramatic Irony**, as the people's accusation against Moses and Aaron for "killing the Lord's people" in [Numbers 16:41](/numbers/16-41 "Numbers 16:41 - The Congregation Murmurs") is tragically fulfilled by God's own hand due to their continued rebellion. Furthermore, the entire scene serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**, pointing forward to the ultimate priestly intercession and atonement found in Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills Aaron's mediatorial role. The narrative's rapid pacing and the emphasis on Aaron's "running" create a palpable sense of **Urgency**, drawing the reader into the intensity of the crisis and the desperate need for divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 16:47 profoundly illustrates the critical role of mediation and atonement in God's relationship with humanity, particularly in the face of divine judgment. It demonstrates that while God is just and will punish sin, He also graciously provides a means for reconciliation and the staying of His wrath through an appointed mediator. Aaron's swift, obedient, and courageous intercession with incense serves as a powerful type, foreshadowing the ultimate and perfect mediation. His act of placing himself between the living and the dead, offering a covering for sin, underscores the desperate need for a bridge between a holy God and sinful humanity. This event reinforces the Old Testament understanding that atonement, even if temporary, was essential for the continuation of God's covenant with Israel and the preservation of His people in His holy presence.

* [Psalm 106:29-30](/psalms/106-29 "Psalm 106:29-30 - Phinehas Stops the Plague")
* [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")
* [1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - The One Mediator")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 16:47 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. It serves as a sobering reminder of the gravity of sin and rebellion against God, demonstrating that divine judgment is a very real and immediate consequence of disobedience. Yet, it simultaneously highlights God's immense mercy and His gracious provision for salvation through an intercessor. Aaron's desperate run into the congregation with the censer teaches us about the urgency of spiritual action in times of crisis and the transformative power of intercessory prayer. We are called to be people who, like Aaron, respond swiftly and obediently to God's call, even when it means stepping into uncomfortable or dangerous situations for the sake of others. More importantly, this passage directs our gaze to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ. While Aaron's atonement was temporary and incomplete, a mere shadow of what was to come, Jesus offered a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, providing eternal atonement and continually interceding for us. Our response to God's holiness and His provision for salvation should be one of humble repentance, grateful acceptance of Christ's finished work, and a commitment to live in obedient faith, recognizing the seriousness of sin and the boundless grace of our Savior.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Aaron's immediate and courageous response challenge my own willingness to obey God's commands, especially in difficult circumstances?**
* **In what ways do I tend to murmur or rebel against God's appointed authorities or His sovereign plan, and what can I learn from the consequences faced by the Israelites?**
* **How does Aaron's act of intercession deepen my appreciation for Jesus Christ as my ultimate High Priest and Mediator?**
* **What specific situations in my life or in the world today call for urgent intercessory prayer, and how can I participate more faithfully in that role?**

### FAQ
**Why did God send a plague in response to the people's murmuring?**

Answer: God sent the plague as a direct and immediate judgment for the Israelites' continued rebellion and murmuring against His divinely appointed leaders, Moses and Aaron. This was not an isolated incident but the culmination of a persistent pattern of distrust and defiance throughout their wilderness journey. The earth had just swallowed Korah's company, and fire had consumed 250 men for their rebellion, yet the congregation still accused Moses and Aaron of killing God's people as recorded in [Numbers 16:41](/numbers/16-41 "Numbers 16:41 - The Congregation Murmurs"). This act of murmuring was seen as a direct affront to God's authority and holiness, as He had personally chosen and empowered Moses and Aaron. The plague was a severe, visible, and swift demonstration of God's righteous wrath against sin and His commitment to uphold His own holiness and the authority of those He had chosen to lead His people. It served as a stark lesson on the seriousness of rebellion against the divine order and the consequences of rejecting God's chosen instruments.

**What is the significance of Aaron using incense to make atonement?**

Answer: Incense (`qetoreth`) held significant symbolic meaning in Israelite worship. It was a fragrant mixture burned on the altar of incense in the Tabernacle, and its ascending smoke often symbolized the prayers of the saints rising to God (as seen in [Revelation 8:3-4](/revelation/8-3 "Revelation 8:3 - The Prayers of the Saints")). In the context of atonement, the incense, particularly when combined with fire from the altar, was a divinely prescribed element in priestly rituals designed to purify and make reconciliation. While animal sacrifices were the primary means of blood atonement, incense was also used in specific atonement rites, especially to purify the sanctuary or avert divine wrath, as seen here. Aaron's use of incense in this crisis was not merely a ritualistic act but an urgent, intercessory plea to God, a symbolic offering that, by divine decree, served to "cover" the people's sin and appease God's wrath, thereby halting the plague. It underscored the idea that God provided a means for His people to approach Him and find mercy, even in the midst of His judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 16:47 powerfully foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest and Mediator. Aaron's courageous act of running into the midst of the dying congregation, placing himself "between the living and the dead" as recounted in [Numbers 16:48](/numbers/16-48 "Numbers 16:48 - Aaron Stands Between the Living and the Dead") to make atonement, perfectly illustrates Christ's redemptive mission. While Aaron offered incense and a temporary covering for sin, Jesus, our great High Priest, offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for the sins of the world, thereby securing eternal redemption as described in [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption"). He did not merely stand between the living and the dead; He entered into death itself, bearing the full weight of God's wrath against sin on the cross, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Suffering for Our Sins"). Just as Aaron's intercession miraculously halted the plague, Christ's atoning sacrifice permanently removed the condemnation of sin, delivering us from the eternal plague of death and separation from God, a truth beautifully articulated in [Romans 5:8-9](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love in Christ's Death"). Furthermore, unlike Aaron, whose ministry was limited by his own mortality, Jesus "holds His priesthood permanently, because He continues forever" as declared in [Hebrews 7:24](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24 - Christ's Permanent Priesthood"), continually interceding for us before the Father, as affirmed in [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession"). Thus, Aaron's desperate dash with the censer points us to the glorious truth that in Christ, we have a Mediator who has secured eternal atonement and stands eternally in our defense, saving us completely and forever.

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

Matthew 5:44

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Psalms 106:29

Thus they provoked [him] to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them.

Numbers 25:6

¶ And, behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who [were] weeping [before] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Numbers 25:8

And he went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her belly. So the plague was stayed from the children of Israel.

Romans 12:21

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Numbers 16:46

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.

Isaiah 53:10

¶ Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put [him] to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see [his] seed, he shall prolong [his] days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.