“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.”
Context: Numbers 16 recounts the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, who challenged the leadership of Moses and Aaron. They gathered a group of 250 prominent leaders from the Israelite community to confront Moses and Aaron. As a result, the Lord’s anger was kindled against the rebels, and He threatened to consume them in an instant.
Aaron’s obedience: In the midst of this rebellion, Moses instructed Aaron to take a censer, put fire and incense on it, and quickly go to the congregation to make atonement for the people. Despite the chaos and the plague that had already begun, Aaron obeyed Moses’ command without hesitation. This shows Aaron’s trust in Moses as the appointed leader and his faithfulness to carry out God’s instructions.
The significance of incense: The act of putting on incense was a significant part of the atonement process. The fragrant smoke symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God (Psalm 141:2). The sweet aroma represented the desire for God’s mercy and forgiveness. By offering incense, Aaron was interceding on behalf of the people, seeking God’s mercy and halting the plague.
Atonement for the people: Aaron’s act of making atonement for the people demonstrates the role of the high priest as a mediator between God and the people. Atonement involves reconciling sinful humanity with a holy God. In this instance, Aaron’s intercession and offering of incense served as a plea for God’s mercy, sparing the congregation from further devastation.
God’s response to Aaron’s action: The following verse, Numbers 16:48, reveals God’s response to Aaron’s intervention: “And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed.” By taking swift action and making atonement, Aaron played a crucial role in stopping the spread of the plague. This incident demonstrated the significance of God’s appointed leadership and the power of intercession.
Key takeaways:
- Obedience and faithfulness to God’s instructions are vital, especially in times of crisis.
- Intercession through prayer and seeking God’s mercy is powerful and can bring about positive change.
- Atonement serves as a means of reconciliation between God and humanity.
- The role of a leader is important in guiding and interceding for the people.
In Numbers 16:47, we see Aaron’s obedience and his crucial role in making atonement for the people. This incident illustrates the significance of leadership, intercession, and the power of seeking God’s mercy in times of trouble.
