Numbers 16:46 - Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer, and put fire from off the altar in it, and lay incense on it, and carry it quickly to the congregation, and make atonement for them; for wrath has gone out from Yahweh! The plague has begun.”
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What does "Numbers 16:46" mean?
This verse from Numbers 16:46 describes a moment of dire urgency and divine intervention. Let's break down the meaning:
Context: This verse occurs after a rebellion led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. God has demonstrated his displeasure by causing the earth to swallow up the rebels.
Moses said to Aaron: Moses, recognized as God's chosen leader, instructs Aaron, who is the High Priest.
“Take your censer, and put fire from off the altar in it, and lay incense on it: The censer is a portable container for burning incense. Taking fire from the altar is significant because the altar fire is considered holy, having been originally ignited by God. The incense is a specific blend meant to be pleasing to God, the burning of which creates a fragrant smoke that rises upwards.
and carry it quickly to the congregation, and make atonement for them: Aaron is commanded to rush into the midst of the people with the burning incense. The act of offering incense is meant to make atonement, which means to cover over or appease God's wrath and reconcile the people to Him.
for wrath has gone out from Yahweh! The plague has begun.” This is the crucial part of the verse. Moses recognizes that God's anger (wrath) has been unleashed in the form of a deadly plague spreading among the Israelites. The plague is a direct consequence of their sin and rebellion.
In summary, the verse conveys the following key points:
1. Divine Wrath: God is angry with the Israelites because of their rebellion and sin.
2. Imminent Danger: The plague indicates that God's judgment is already being executed. The people are dying.
3. Atonement as Intercession: Moses, through Aaron, is attempting to intercede on behalf of the people by offering atonement to God through the burning of incense.
4. Urgency: The situation is so critical that Aaron must act immediately to stop the plague from spreading further.
The theological significance of this verse:
It highlights the seriousness of sin and rebellion against God.
It demonstrates God's holiness and his response to disobedience.
It shows the role of the priesthood in mediating between God and the people through offerings and intercession.
It foreshadows the ultimate atonement provided by Jesus Christ, who offered himself as a sacrifice to reconcile humanity to God. In the New Testament, Jesus is often portrayed as the ultimate High Priest, interceding on our behalf.
It highlights the concept of sacrificial atonement which is seen throughout the Old Testament as a means to appease God’s wrath and find forgiveness.
This verse is a powerful reminder of God's holiness, justice, and the need for atonement for sin. It also demonstrates the importance of intercession and the urgent need to seek reconciliation with God in the face of His judgment.
Numbers 16:46 - Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer, and put fire from off the altar in it, and lay incense on it, and carry it quickly to the congregation, and make atonement for them; for wrath has gone out from Yahweh! The plague has begun.”
What does "Numbers 16:46" mean?
This verse from Numbers 16:46 describes a moment of dire urgency and divine intervention. Let's break down the meaning:
Context: This verse occurs after a rebellion led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. God has demonstrated his displeasure by causing the earth to swallow up the rebels.
Moses said to Aaron: Moses, recognized as God's chosen leader, instructs Aaron, who is the High Priest.
“Take your censer, and put fire from off the altar in it, and lay incense on it: The censer is a portable container for burning incense. Taking fire from the altar is significant because the altar fire is considered holy, having been originally ignited by God. The incense is a specific blend meant to be pleasing to God, the burning of which creates a fragrant smoke that rises upwards.
and carry it quickly to the congregation, and make atonement for them: Aaron is commanded to rush into the midst of the people with the burning incense. The act of offering incense is meant to make atonement, which means to cover over or appease God's wrath and reconcile the people to Him.
for wrath has gone out from Yahweh! The plague has begun.” This is the crucial part of the verse. Moses recognizes that God's anger (wrath) has been unleashed in the form of a deadly plague spreading among the Israelites. The plague is a direct consequence of their sin and rebellion.
In summary, the verse conveys the following key points:
1. Divine Wrath: God is angry with the Israelites because of their rebellion and sin.
2. Imminent Danger: The plague indicates that God's judgment is already being executed. The people are dying.
3. Atonement as Intercession: Moses, through Aaron, is attempting to intercede on behalf of the people by offering atonement to God through the burning of incense.
4. Urgency: The situation is so critical that Aaron must act immediately to stop the plague from spreading further.
The theological significance of this verse:
It highlights the seriousness of sin and rebellion against God.
It demonstrates God's holiness and his response to disobedience.
It shows the role of the priesthood in mediating between God and the people through offerings and intercession.
It foreshadows the ultimate atonement provided by Jesus Christ, who offered himself as a sacrifice to reconcile humanity to God. In the New Testament, Jesus is often portrayed as the ultimate High Priest, interceding on our behalf.
It highlights the concept of sacrificial atonement which is seen throughout the Old Testament as a means to appease God’s wrath and find forgiveness.
This verse is a powerful reminder of God's holiness, justice, and the need for atonement for sin. It also demonstrates the importance of intercession and the urgent need to seek reconciliation with God in the face of His judgment.