Numbers 16:46

Moses said to Aaron, "Take your censer, place fire from the altar in it, and add incense. Go quickly to the congregation and make atonement for them, because wrath has come out from the LORD; the plague has begun."

Study Bible

Moses said to Aaron
Moses, as the leader appointed by God, often communicated God's instructions to the people. Aaron, his brother, served as the high priest, a role that involved mediating between God and the Israelites. This relationship highlights the importance of obedience and the chain of command established by God.

Take your censer
A censer was a vessel used to burn incense, a common practice in ancient religious rituals. In the tabernacle, incense symbolized the prayers of the people rising to God. The censer here represents a tool for intercession, emphasizing the priestly role of mediating between God and humanity.

Place fire from the altar in it
The altar fire was considered holy, as it was initially kindled by God Himself (Leviticus 9:24). Using fire from the altar signifies the need for divine purity and sanctification in the act of atonement. This act underscores the necessity of approaching God with reverence and according to His instructions.

And add incense
Incense, often associated with prayer and worship, was a key element in the tabernacle service. It symbolizes the intercessory prayers of the priest on behalf of the people. The addition of incense signifies the need for a pleasing aroma to God, representing the sincere prayers and repentance of the people.

Go quickly to the congregation
The urgency in Moses' command reflects the immediate danger facing the Israelites. The congregation, or assembly, refers to the entire community of Israel. This phrase highlights the communal aspect of sin and the need for collective atonement.

And make atonement for them
Atonement involves reconciliation between God and humanity, often through a sacrificial act. In the Old Testament, atonement was achieved through rituals prescribed by God, pointing to the ultimate atonement through Jesus Christ. This act by Aaron prefigures Christ's role as the ultimate high priest who makes atonement for humanity's sins.

Because wrath has come out from the LORD
The wrath of God in the Old Testament often manifested as a response to sin and rebellion. It serves as a reminder of God's holiness and justice. This phrase underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for divine intervention to avert disaster.

The plague has begun
Plagues were a common form of divine judgment in the Bible, often used to bring about repentance or demonstrate God's power. The beginning of the plague signifies the immediate consequences of disobedience and the urgent need for atonement to stop its spread. This event foreshadows the ultimate deliverance from sin and death through Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. In this passage, Moses acts as an intercessor for the people.

2. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the high priest of Israel. He is instructed by Moses to perform a priestly duty to stop the plague.

3. The Assembly
Refers to the congregation of Israelites who were affected by the plague due to their rebellion against Moses and Aaron.

4. The Plague
A divine punishment sent by God as a result of the rebellion led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron.

5. The Altar
The place where sacrifices were made to God. The fire from the altar signifies the presence and holiness of God.

Teaching Points

The Role of Intercession
Moses and Aaron demonstrate the power and necessity of intercession. Believers are called to intercede for others, standing in the gap through prayer and action.

The Seriousness of Sin
The plague represents the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness with which God views sin.

The Importance of Obedience
Aaron's obedience to Moses' instructions highlights the importance of following God's commands precisely. Obedience is a key aspect of faithfulness.

God's Mercy and Justice
While God is just in His punishment, He also provides a means of atonement. This balance of justice and mercy is central to understanding God's character.

The Symbolism of the Altar and Incense
The altar and incense symbolize prayer and the presence of God. Believers are encouraged to maintain a life of prayer, seeking God's presence continually.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Moses and Aaron as intercessors in Numbers 16:46 inspire you to intercede for others in your life?

2. In what ways does the event of the plague in Numbers 16 highlight the seriousness of sin and its consequences?

3. How can Aaron's obedience to Moses' instructions serve as a model for our own obedience to God's commands?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's mercy in the midst of His justice. How did that experience shape your understanding of His character?

5. How can the symbolism of the altar and incense in this passage enhance your personal prayer life and relationship with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 10
This chapter describes the importance of following God's instructions precisely, as seen in the deaths of Nadab and Abihu for offering unauthorized fire. This highlights the seriousness of Aaron's task in Numbers 16:46.

Hebrews 7
Discusses Jesus as our high priest, drawing a parallel to Aaron's role in making atonement for the people, but emphasizing the superiority of Christ's eternal priesthood.

Psalm 106
Reflects on the rebellious nature of the Israelites and God's mercy, providing a broader context for understanding the events in Numbers 16.