So Aaron took the censer as Moses had ordered and ran into the midst of the assembly. And seeing that the plague had begun among the people, he offered the incense and made atonement for the people. So Aaron took the censer as Moses had orderedAaron's obedience to Moses' command highlights the importance of following God's appointed leadership. The censer, a vessel for burning incense, symbolizes prayer and intercession (Psalm 141:2, Revelation 8:3-4). This act of taking the censer signifies Aaron's role as high priest, mediating between God and the Israelites. The use of incense in worship was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures, representing the prayers of the people rising to God. and ran into the midst of the assembly And seeing that the plague had begun among the people he offered the incense and made atonement for the people Persons / Places / Events 1. AaronThe brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. In this passage, Aaron acts as an intercessor for the people, standing between the living and the dead to stop the plague. 2. Moses The leader of the Israelites, who instructs Aaron to take action to stop the plague. Moses is a central figure in the Exodus account and a mediator between God and the people. 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 that had begun among the Israelites as a result of their rebellion, demonstrating God's judgment and the seriousness of sin. 5. Incense and Atonement Aaron uses incense as a means of making atonement, symbolizing intercession and the appeasement of God's wrath. Teaching Points The Role of IntercessionAaron's actions demonstrate the power and necessity of intercession. As believers, we are called to intercede for others, standing in the gap through prayer and supplication. The Seriousness of Sin The plague represents the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. It serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and obedience to God's commands. The Power of Atonement Aaron's offering of incense symbolizes the atonement that is ultimately fulfilled in Christ. It points to the need for a mediator between God and humanity. Obedience to God’s Instructions Aaron's immediate response to Moses' command highlights the importance of obedience to God's appointed leaders and instructions. God’s Mercy and Grace Despite the rebellion, God provides a way for the plague to be stopped, showcasing His mercy and willingness to forgive when there is genuine intercession and atonement. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Aaron's role as an intercessor in Numbers 16:47 foreshadow the work of Christ as our high priest?2. In what ways can we act as intercessors in our own communities, and what practical steps can we take to stand in the gap for others? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of sin. How did you seek atonement and reconciliation with God? 4. How does the concept of atonement in the Old Testament enhance your understanding of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross? 5. What lessons can we learn from Aaron's obedience to Moses' instructions, and how can we apply these lessons in our daily walk with God? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 16This chapter describes the Day of Atonement, where the high priest makes atonement for the people, similar to Aaron's role in Numbers 16:47. Hebrews 7:25 This verse speaks of Jesus as our high priest who always lives to intercede for us, drawing a parallel to Aaron's intercessory role. Psalm 106:30 This Psalm recounts the event of Aaron standing between the living and the dead, highlighting the power of intercession.
People Aaron, Abiram, Dathan, Eleazar, Eliab, Israelites, Izhar, Kohath, Korah, Levi, Levites, Moses, Pallu, Peleth, Reuben, ReubenitesPlaces Wilderness of ParanTopics Aaron, Already, Assembly, Atonement, Begun, Behold, Commanded, Congregation, Disease, Giveth, Incense, Maketh, Midst, Offered, Perfume, Plague, Ran, Runneth, Running, Sin, Spake, Spices, Spoke, Spoken, Start, Started, Taketh, VesselDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 16:1-50Library September 3. "The God of Israel Hath Separated You" (Num. xvi. 9). "The God of Israel hath separated you" (Num. xvi. 9). The little plant may grow out of a manure heap, and be surrounded by filth, and covered very often with the floating dust that is borne upon the breeze, but its white roots are separated from the unclean soil, and its leaves and flowers have no affinity with the dust that settles upon them; and after a shower of summer rain they throw off every particle of defilement, and look up, as fresh and spotless as before, for their intrinsic nature cannot … Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth Death Swallowed up in victory Whether Vengeance Should be Taken on those who have Sinned Involuntarily? Conflict. Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices. The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, Numbers Links Numbers 16:47 NIVNumbers 16:47 NLT Numbers 16:47 ESV Numbers 16:47 NASB Numbers 16:47 KJV Numbers 16:47 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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