“And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed.”
Context: Numbers 16 recounts the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. They questioned the authority and the position of Moses and Aaron as chosen leaders of the Israelites. As a result of their rebellion, God executed judgment and the earth swallowed Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and their families. Following this event, the Israelites murmured against Moses and Aaron, blaming them for the deaths.
The Plague: In response to the murmuring, God sent a plague among the people, demonstrating His displeasure with their complaints. The plague was causing death among the Israelites.
Intervention of Aaron: In verse 47, we read that Aaron took a censer, put fire from the altar in it, and took incense. He then stood between the living and the dead, offering incense and making atonement for the people. This act of intercession by Aaron demonstrated his role as the high priest and mediator between God and the people. He stood as a representative before God, seeking His mercy and appeasing His anger.
The Result: As Aaron stood between the dead and the living, offering incense and interceding on behalf of the people, the plague was stayed. God’s wrath was appeased, and the deathly effects of the plague were halted. This miraculous intervention highlighted the importance of intercession and the role of the high priest in mediating between God and His people.
Lessons from Numbers 16:48:
- The seriousness of rebellion: The rebellion of Korah and his followers against God’s appointed leaders brought severe consequences. It is a reminder that we should respect and honor the leaders God has placed over us.
- The power of intercession: Aaron’s act of intercession in standing between the living and the dead illustrates the power of prayer and seeking God’s mercy on behalf of others. It shows that God responds to the prayers of His people and is willing to relent from judgment.
- The role of the high priest: Aaron’s role as the high priest foreshadows the role of Jesus Christ as our ultimate High Priest. Jesus intercedes on our behalf before God, making atonement for our sins and mediating between God and humanity.
Overall, Numbers 16:48 teaches us about the importance of intercession, the consequences of rebellion, and the role of the high priest in seeking God’s mercy and averting judgment.
