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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Numbers 16:41–50. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. A new rebellion raised the very next day against Moses and Aaron. Be astonished, O heavens, at this, and wonder, O earth! Was there ever such an instance of the incurable corruption of sinners? On the morrow (Num 16:41) the body of the people mutinied. 1. Though they were so lately terrified by the sight of the punishment of the rebels. The shrieks of those sinking sinners, those sinners against their own souls, were yet sounding in their ears, the smell of the fire yet remained, and the gaping earth was scarcely thoroughly closed, and yet the same sins were re-acted and all these warnings slighted. 2. Though they were so lately saved from sharing in the same punishment, and the survivors were as brands plucked out of the burning, yet they fly in the face of Moses and Aaron, to whose intercession they owed their preservation. Their charge runs very high: You have killed the people of the Lord. Could any thing have been said more unjustly and maliciously? They canonize the rebels, calling those the people of the Lord who died in arms against him. They stigmatize divine justice itself. It was plain enough that Moses and Aaron had no hand in their death (they did what they could to save them), so that in charging them with murder they did in effect charge God himself with it. The continued obstinacy of this people, notwithstanding the terrors of God's law as it was given on Mount Sinai, and the terrors of his judgments as they were here executed on the disobedient, shows how necessary the grace of God is to the effectual change of men's hearts and lives, without which the most likely means will never attain the end. Love will do what fear could not.
II.God's speedy appearance against the rebels.
When they had gathered against Moses and Aaron, perhaps with a design to depose or murder them, they looked towards the tabernacle, as if their misgiving consciences expected some frowns thence, and, behold, the glory of the Lord appeared (Num 16:42), for the protection of his servants, and the confusion of his and their accusers and adversaries. Moses and Aaron thereupon came before the tabernacle, partly for their own safety (there they took sanctuary from the strife of tongues, Psa 27:5; Psa 31:20), and partly for advice, to know what was the mind of God upon this occasion, Num 16:43. Justice hereupon declares that they deserve to be consumed in a moment, Num 16:45. Why should those live another day who hate to be reformed, and whose rebellions are their daily practices? Let just vengeance take place and do its work, and the trouble will soon be over; only Moses and Aaron must first be secured.
III.The intercession which Moses and Aaron made for them.
Though they had as much reason, one would think, as Elias had to make intercession against Israel (Rom 11:2), yet they forgive and forget the indignities offered them, and are the best friends their enemies have.
1.They both fell on their faces, humbly to intercede with God for mercy, knowing how great the provocation was. This they had done several times before, upon similar occasions; and, though the people had basely requited them for it, yet, God having graciously accepted them, they still have recourse to the same method. This is praying always.
2.Moses, perceiving that the plague had begun in the congregation of the rebels (that is, that body of them which was gathered against Moses), sent Aaron by an act of his priestly office to make atonement for them, Num 16:46. And Aaron readily went and burned incense between the living and the dead, not to purify the infected air, but to pacify an offended God, and so stayed the progress of the judgment. By this it appeared,
(1.)That Aaron was a very good man, and a man that had a true love for the children of his people, though they hated and envied him. Though God was now avenging his quarrel and pleading the cause of his priesthood, yet he interposes to turn away God's wrath. Nay, forgetting his age and gravity, he ran into the midst of the congregation to help them. He did not say, "Let them smart awhile, and then, when I come, I shall be the more welcome;" but, as one tender of the life of every Israelite, he makes all possible speed into the gap at which death was entering. Moses and Aaron, who had been charged with killing the people of the Lord, might justly have upbraided them now; could they expect those to be their saviours whom they had so invidiously called their murderers? But those good men have taught us here by their example not to be sullen towards those that are peevish with us, nor to take the advantage which men give us by their provoking language to deny them any real kindness which it is in the power of our hands to do them. We must render good for evil.
(2.)That Aaron was a very bold man - bold to venture into the midst of an enraged rabble that were gathered together against him, and who, for aught he knew, might be the more exasperated by the plague that had begun - bold to venture into the midst of the infection, where the arrows of death flew thickest, and hundreds, nay thousands, were falling on the right hand and on the left. To save their lives he put his own into his hand, not counting it dear to him, so that he might but fulfil his ministry.
(3.)That Aaron was a man of God, and ordained for men, in things pertaining to God. His call to the priesthood was hereby abundantly confirmed and set above all contradiction; God had not only saved his life when the intruders were cut off, but now made him an instrument for saving Israel. Compare the censer of Aaron here with the censers of those sinners against their own souls. Those provoked God's anger, this pacified it; those destroyed men's lives, this saved them; no room therefore is left to doubt of Aaron's call to the priesthood. Note, Those make out the best title to public honours that lay out themselves the most for public good and obtain mercy of the Lord to be faithful and useful. If any man will be great, let him make himself the servant of all.
(4.)That Aaron was a type of Christ, who came into the world to make an atonement for sin and to turn away the wrath of God from us, and who, by his mediation and intercession, stands between the living and the dead, to secure his chosen Israel to himself, and save them out of the midst of a world infected with sin and the curse.
IV.The result and issue of the whole matter.
1.God's justice was glorified in the death of some. Great execution the sword of the Lord did in a very little time. Though Aaron made all the haste he could, yet, before he could reach his post of service, there were 14,700 men laid dead upon the spot, Num 16:49. There were but few comparatively that died about the matter of Korah, the ring-leaders only were made examples; but, the people not being led to repentance by the patience and forbearance of God with them, justice is not now so sparing of the blood of Israelites. They complained of the death of a few hundreds as an unmerciful slaughter made among the people of the Lord, but here God silences that complaint by the slaughter of many thousands. Note, Those that quarrel with less judgments prepare greater for themselves; for when God judges he will overcome.
2.His mercy was glorified in the preservation of the rest. God showed them what he could do by his power, and what he might do in justice, but then showed them what he would do in his love and pity: he would, notwithstanding all this, preserve them a people to himself in and by a mediator. The cloud of Aaron's incense coming from his hand stayed the plague. Note, It is much for the glory of God's goodness that many a time even in wrath he remembers mercy. And, even when judgments have been begun, prayer puts a stop to them; so ready is he to forgive, and so little pleasure does he take in the death of sinners.
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Summary
Numbers 16:50 brings to a dramatic close a period of intense divine judgment, depicting the immediate and miraculous cessation of a deadly plague that had swept through the Israelite camp. This pivotal moment profoundly highlights God's sovereign power to intervene, the essential efficacy of divinely ordained atonement, and the indispensable role of His appointed High Priest, Aaron, as a mediator between a holy God and a rebellious people. It stands as a stark testament to the severe consequences of sin and, simultaneously, to the boundless reach of divine mercy when a divinely provided path for reconciliation is embraced.
Context
Literary Context
Numbers 16:50 serves as the climactic resolution to the devastating rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, detailed earlier in the chapter. This rebellion represented a direct challenge to the divinely instituted leadership of Moses and Aaron, provoking spectacular divine judgment where the earth swallowed the families of Dathan and Abiram, and fire consumed 250 leaders who offered unauthorized incense, as recorded in Numbers 16:31-35. Despite this clear and terrifying demonstration of God's authority, the very next day, the entire congregation of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron, accusing them of killing the Lord's people, as seen in Numbers 16:41. This fresh act of defiance provoked God's immediate wrath, leading to a sudden, devastating plague among the people. Moses, upon seeing the plague begin, immediately instructed Aaron to take a censer, put fire from the altar in it, and add incense to make atonement for the people, an urgent command found in Numbers 16:46. Aaron, acting swiftly and obediently, ran into the midst of the congregation, literally standing between the living and the dead to halt the plague, as described in Numbers 16:47-48. Verse 50 marks the precise moment his intercession was effective, bringing the plague to an immediate and complete halt.
Historical & Cultural Context
The events of Numbers 16 unfold during Israel's forty-year wilderness wandering, a period characterized by frequent murmuring, persistent rebellion, and divine judgment, yet also interspersed with God's patient provision and profound mercy. The tabernacle, prominently mentioned in this verse, was the central place of worship and the tangible dwelling place of God among His people, signifying His holy presence and absolute authority. The Levitical priesthood, specifically the Aaronic line, was divinely appointed to mediate between God and Israel, performing sacrifices and conducting atonement rituals. This context highlights the immense gravity of challenging God's chosen representatives, as such defiance was tantamount to challenging God Himself. Plagues were universally understood in the ancient Near East as direct manifestations of divine judgment for sin, making their sudden cessation a clear and unmistakable sign of God's direct intervention and the acceptance of atonement. The act of offering incense was a sacred priestly function, symbolizing prayer and atonement, and its use here by Aaron was a divinely sanctioned act of intercession, standing in stark contrast to the unauthorized incense offered by Korah's company earlier in the narrative.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. It vividly demonstrates Divine Mercy and Intervention, showing that even in the face of persistent and egregious rebellion, God graciously provides a way for judgment to be averted. The immediate cessation of the plague highlights the direct, sovereign, and miraculous nature of God's action. It also underscores the Power of Atonement and Intercession, as Aaron's divinely commanded act of taking incense and standing between the living and the dead effectively turned away God's wrath, emphasizing the critical and life-saving role of a mediator. This event profoundly foreshadows the ultimate atoning work of Jesus Christ, who intercedes eternally for believers. Furthermore, the plague and its cessation through Aaron's action served to further validate God's Appointed Priesthood, solidifying Aaron's unique and divinely chosen role as High Priest, chosen by God to mediate between Him and the people, a theme reinforced throughout the book, notably in Numbers 17. Finally, the tragic loss of 14,700 lives, as noted in Numbers 16:49, stands as a stark and sobering reminder of the severe Consequences of Rebellion against God's authority and His chosen leaders.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root (H7725) signifies "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively." In this context, Aaron's "return" indicates the successful completion of his urgent, divinely mandated mission. He had run into the midst of the congregation, stood between the living and the dead, and performed the act of atonement. His return to Moses at the tabernacle door signifies that his life-saving task was accomplished, and its efficacy was confirmed by the immediate cessation of the plague. It marks the conclusion of a desperate and successful errand.
This compound phrase (H168, H4150) refers to the Tent of Meeting, the central sanctuary where God met with Moses and communicated His will to Israel. The term ʼôhel (tent) emphasizes its portable nature as God's dwelling, while môwʻêd (appointment/assembly) highlights its function as the designated place where God's people met with Him and where His will was revealed. Its mention here emphasizes that Aaron's actions were not arbitrary but were performed in direct obedience to divine command, originating from the very place of God's presence and authority. Returning to its door signifies reporting back to the divine authority and the place where God's will was revealed and executed.
This primitive root (H6113) means "to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble." In this context, it denotes an immediate, complete, and miraculous cessation of the plague. It implies a direct, powerful, and decisive act of divine intervention, not a gradual decline or natural end. The plague was not merely slowing down; it was decisively "shut up" or "held back" by God in response to Aaron's obedience and intercession, demonstrating God's absolute control over life and death.
Verse Breakdown
"And Aaron returned unto Moses unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation"
This clause describes Aaron's physical movement, but it carries profound theological weight. Aaron's return signifies the successful completion of his urgent, life-saving mission. He had acted as the divinely appointed mediator, carrying out the prescribed act of atonement. His return to Moses at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting implies reporting back to the central authority and the place where God's presence resided, confirming that the divine instruction had been fulfilled and accepted. It marks the end of the immediate crisis and the validation of his priestly office, underscoring the importance of obedience to divine command and the efficacy of priestly mediation.
"and the plague was stayed."
This concise yet powerful declaration is the dramatic climax of the verse and the entire narrative. It states the immediate and miraculous outcome of Aaron's intercession. The plague, a direct and devastating manifestation of God's wrath against the people's persistent rebellion, was instantly and completely halted. This demonstrates God's sovereign control over life and death, His responsiveness to divinely ordained atonement, and the absolute efficacy of the High Priest's mediatorial role. It is a clear and undeniable sign that God's righteous judgment was appeased, and His profound mercy prevailed through the prescribed means, averting further destruction.
Literary Devices
Numbers 16:50 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The verse functions as a Narrative Climax, providing the swift and decisive resolution to the preceding crisis of the plague. The immediate cessation of the plague, following the dramatic account of its rapid spread and Aaron's desperate intercession, creates a palpable sense of relief and finality for the reader. Divine Intervention is clearly at play, as the plague's instantaneous halt is not attributed to natural causes or human effort but to God's direct and sovereign response to Aaron's divinely commanded act. This highlights God's active involvement in the affairs of His people, exercising both judgment and mercy. Symbolism is rich in the broader narrative leading to this verse: Aaron's act of standing "between the living and the dead" (Numbers 16:48) symbolically represents his role as a mediator, literally interposing himself between God's consuming wrath and the perishing people. The censer and incense are potent symbols of atonement and acceptable prayer. The powerful Juxtaposition of the raging, deadly plague with its instantaneous and complete cessation dramatically emphasizes the power and effectiveness of the atonement and God's boundless mercy. The brevity and declarative nature of the second clause, "and the plague was stayed," make its impact all the more profound, underscoring the suddenness, completeness, and divine origin of the act.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Numbers 16:50 profoundly illustrates the biblical themes of divine wrath, human sin, and God's gracious provision for atonement through a divinely appointed mediator. The plague manifests God's holy justice against persistent rebellion and defiance, yet His mercy is equally evident in providing a specific means for its cessation. Aaron's swift obedience and intercession highlight the critical and unchanging need for a go-between for sinful humanity to approach a holy God. This event serves as a powerful Old Testament type, pointing forward to the ultimate and perfect intercession and atonement found in Jesus Christ. It demonstrates that God's judgment, while certain and severe, can be appeased by a vicarious act of mediation, thereby opening a path for reconciliation, healing, and life.
Reflection and Application
Numbers 16:50 offers enduring lessons for believers today, primarily concerning the urgency of intercession, the profound and unchanging need for a mediator, and the perfect balance of God's justice and mercy. Aaron's swift and obedient response to Moses' instruction, running into the midst of the congregation to make atonement, serves as a powerful and convicting example of zealous, timely, and self-sacrificial intercession in the face of spiritual and physical crisis. It reminds us of the critical importance of fervent prayer for those caught in the throes of sin, suffering, or divine judgment. This narrative vividly illustrates the fundamental biblical truth that sinful humanity cannot stand before a holy God without a mediator; Aaron's temporary and typological role foreshadows the eternal and perfect mediation of Christ. Furthermore, the account demonstrates that while God's justice is sure and severe against rebellion, His mercy is equally profound, always providing a way for reconciliation and relief from judgment through divinely appointed atonement. Finally, the entire episode underscores the importance of respecting the spiritual authority God establishes, both in the Old Testament priesthood and in leadership within the church today, recognizing that defiance against appointed leaders can, at its core, be defiance against God Himself.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did God send a plague after the initial judgment on Korah's rebellion?
The plague was a direct and immediate consequence of the congregation's continued rebellion and murmuring against Moses and Aaron. Despite witnessing the spectacular judgment on Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, the people defiantly accused Moses and Aaron of killing the Lord's people, as recorded in Numbers 16:41. While the initial judgment was for a direct challenge to God's authority, the subsequent plague demonstrated the severity of the entire community's sin in grumbling and questioning God's chosen leaders, thereby provoking His immediate and righteous wrath. It underscored God's absolute holiness and the profound gravity of their defiance.
What is the significance of Aaron standing "between the living and the dead"?
This dramatic act, vividly described in Numbers 16:48, visually and symbolically represented Aaron's crucial role as a mediator. By bringing the censer with fire from the altar and incense, he was performing an act of atonement that literally halted the spread of death. He placed himself as a barrier, a sacrificial intercessor, between God's consuming wrath and the perishing people. This powerful posture vividly illustrated the High Priest's divinely appointed function to bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity, making reconciliation and the cessation of judgment possible through his mediatorial work.
How many people died in this plague?
Numbers 16:49 explicitly states that 14,700 people died from this plague. This number is in addition to the 250 men who were consumed by fire and those swallowed by the earth in the initial judgment against Korah's company, highlighting the immense and tragic cost of rebellion against God and His established order.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Numbers 16:50, with Aaron's swift and effective intercession, serves as a powerful Old Testament type pointing to the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment. Aaron, as the High Priest, standing between the living and the dead with incense (a potent symbol of prayer and atonement), vividly foreshadows Jesus Christ, our perfect, eternal, and compassionate High Priest. Unlike Aaron, whose intercession was temporary and required repeated acts and sacrifices, Jesus offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for sin. He entered into the true, heavenly sanctuary not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own precious blood, thereby securing an eternal redemption for all who believe, as profoundly declared in Hebrews 9:12. Where Aaron's act momentarily "stayed" a physical plague, Christ's finished atoning work on the cross definitively "stayed" the eternal plague of sin and death, reconciling humanity to God once and for all. He is the true and only mediator, who, by His perfect and complete work, forever stands between God's righteous wrath against sin and those who are in Him, offering continuous and efficacious intercession for us, as affirmed in Hebrews 7:25. Thus, Aaron's return to the tabernacle with the plague stayed is a vivid and prophetic picture of Christ's triumph over sin and death, securing our access to God's holy presence and the cessation of divine judgment for all who are justified by faith in Him, as beautifully articulated in Romans 5:8-9.