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I. THE AGGRAVATED REBELLION OF THE PEOPLE.

1. Terrible disregard of Divine warnings.

2. Base ingratitude to Moses and Aaron.

3. Profane characterisation of the wicked as the people of God.

II. THE SPEEDY INTERPOSITION OF JEHOVAH.

1. The manifestation of His glory.

2. The declaration of the desert of the rebels.

III. THE EFFECTUAL INTERCESSION OF MOSES AND AARON.

1. The kindness of Moses and Aaron. Their conduct reminds us of Him who prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

2. The courage of Aaron. He feared neither the excited people who were embittered against him, nor the pestilence which was smiting down the people by thousands, but "ran into the midst of the congregation," &c.

3. The zeal of Aaron. He was now an old man, yet he "ran into the midst," &c. An example for Christian ministers.

4. The success of Aaron. "The plague was stayed." How great is the power of prayer!

IV. THE EXERCISE OF THE JUSTICE AND MERCY OF GOD.

1. Here is an impressive display of Divine justice. Many slain.

2. Here is an encouraging manifestation of Divine mercy. Some spared.Conclusion: Learn —

1. The heinousness of sin.

2. The great value of a faithful ministry.

3. The readiness of God to forgive sin.

(W. Jones.)

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KJV: But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD.

WEB: But on the next day all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, "You have killed Yahweh's people!"