Numbers 16:47

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Numbers 16:47 describes a pivotal moment during the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron. As a divine plague sweeps through the Israelite congregation as judgment for their murmuring and rebellion, Aaron, at Moses' urgent command, swiftly takes a censer with incense and runs into the midst of the dying people. His immediate action of offering incense is an act of intercession, designed to "make an atonement for the people" and halt the devastating plague.

Context

This verse is the climax of God's swift judgment following the rebellion detailed in Numbers chapter 16. After the earth swallowed Korah's company and fire consumed 250 incense-offering rebels, the remaining congregation murmured against Moses and Aaron, accusing them of killing the Lord's people. This renewed rebellion provoked God's wrath, resulting in a sudden, deadly plague. Moses quickly instructs Aaron to take a censer with fire from the altar and incense, symbolizing prayer and mediation, to stand between the living and the dead.

Key Themes

  • Intercession and Mediation: Aaron's swift action highlights the critical role of a mediator between God and humanity. He physically places himself between God's judgment and the people, foreshadowing the ultimate mediation of Jesus Christ.
  • Atonement: The act of offering incense "made an atonement" for the people. This temporary covering for sin, through priestly action, was a vital part of Israel's relationship with God, pointing towards the ultimate atonement made by Jesus Christ through His own blood.
  • Divine Judgment and Mercy: The plague demonstrates God's immediate and severe judgment against rebellion and sin. However, Aaron's successful intercession also reveals God's mercy, providing a means for the plague to be stopped.
  • Obedience and Urgency: Aaron's immediate and desperate run into the congregation underscores the urgency required when facing divine wrath and the importance of prompt obedience to God's commands, delivered through Moses.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "made an atonement" is kaphar (ื›ึธึผืคึทืจ), which fundamentally means "to cover," "to purge," or "to make reconciliation." In the context of the Old Testament sacrificial system, it refers to the act of covering sin to appease God's wrath and restore relationship. The "incense" (qetoreth) often symbolized the prayers of the saints ascending to God (cf. Revelation 8:3-4) and was a necessary component of the priestly service in the Tabernacle.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful lessons for believers today:

  • It reminds us of the seriousness of sin and rebellion against God, which can bring severe consequences.
  • It highlights the desperate need for intercession and the power of prayer in turning away God's wrath.
  • Most significantly, it points us to Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who, unlike Aaron, offered a perfect and eternal sacrifice, making complete atonement for our sins and continually intercedes for us before God (see Hebrews 7:25).
  • It underscores the importance of swift action and obedience when called to serve God, especially in times of crisis.
Aaron's courageous act saved many lives, with 14,700 people dying before the plague was stayed.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 5:44 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Numbers 25:6 (2 votes)

    ยถ 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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Numbers 16:46 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ยถ 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.