“And Aaron returned unto Moses unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the plague was stayed.”
This verse comes at the conclusion of a significant event known as the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. The rebellion was a challenge to their authority and the way God had established the priesthood.
To fully understand the context of Numbers 16:50, let’s review the preceding events:
Korah, a Levite, along with Dathan, Abiram, and 250 other prominent leaders, rose up against Moses and Aaron. They accused Moses and Aaron of exalting themselves above the rest of the congregation, asserting that the entire community was holy and questioning why Moses and Aaron had appointed themselves as leaders (Numbers 16:1-3).
Moses responded by humbly seeking God’s guidance and proposed a test to verify God’s chosen leaders. He instructed Korah and his followers to bring censers with incense before the Lord, and Moses and Aaron would do the same. The Lord would then indicate who He had chosen as His representatives (Numbers 16:4-7).
When the test was set up, the glory of the Lord appeared before the entire congregation, and He spoke to Moses and Aaron, warning the people to separate themselves from the rebellious group so as not to be destroyed along with them (Numbers 16:19-24).
As Moses finished speaking, the ground beneath the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram split open, swallowing them, their households, and their possessions (Numbers 16:31-33). In addition, fire consumed the 250 men who had brought the censers (Numbers 16:35).
At this point, the people became terrified and fled, fearing for their lives. However, Moses instructed Aaron to take a censer, put fire from the altar on it, and add incense as an atonement offering to make atonement for the people. Aaron did as Moses commanded, standing between the living and the dead, and the plague was stopped (Numbers 16:46-48).
Finally, in Numbers 16:50, we see Aaron returning to Moses at the entrance of the tabernacle. The plague, which had been a consequence of the people’s rebellion, was halted.
This verse emphasizes several important lessons:
- God’s chosen leaders: The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram highlights the significance of God-appointed leaders. God had designated Moses and Aaron for their specific roles, and the rebellion against their authority was a direct challenge to God’s choice. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and respecting God’s chosen leaders in our lives.
- The consequences of rebellion: The severe consequences faced by the rebels and those associated with them demonstrate the seriousness of rebellion against God’s established order. While it is essential to question and seek understanding, outright rebellion against God’s chosen leaders and His divine order can lead to severe consequences.
- The power of intercession: Aaron’s actions of standing between the living and the dead, offering an atonement sacrifice, and stopping the plague highlight the power of intercession. Through his intercession, Aaron played a pivotal role in turning away God’s wrath and preventing further harm. This teaches us the importance of interceding for others and seeking reconciliation in times of crisis or conflict.
Overall, Numbers 16:50 reminds us of the significance of respecting God’s chosen leaders and the power of intercession. It encourages us to approach conflicts and challenges with humility,
seeking God’s guidance and promoting unity rather than rebellion.
