Numbers 16:47 - Aaron did as Moses said, and ran into the middle of the assembly. The plague had already begun among the people. He put on the incense, and made atonement for the people.
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What does "Numbers 16:47" mean?
This verse from Numbers 16:47 describes a moment of crisis and intervention during a plague sent by God upon the Israelites. Let's break down the meaning:
"Aaron did as Moses said...": This highlights Aaron's obedience and submission to Moses's authority, which was ultimately divinely appointed. This obedience is crucial in the narrative, as it indicates Aaron is acting in accordance with God's will.
"...and ran into the middle of the assembly...": This emphasizes the urgency and peril of the situation. Aaron doesn't hesitate; he sprints into the midst of the dying and suffering people. His action demonstrates courage and compassion.
"The plague had already begun among the people...": This underscores the severity of the situation. The plague is actively killing people, and time is of the essence. This emphasizes the desperation and need for immediate action.
"He put on the incense...": The incense is significant because in the Old Testament, incense was often used as a way to symbolize prayer ascending to God. Burning incense was considered a sacred act, a way to purify and seek God's favor. Aaron, as the High Priest, was responsible for rituals that were thought to appease God's anger.
"...and made atonement for the people.": This is the core of the verse's meaning. "Atonement" means to make amends, to cover over sin, and to reconcile with God. By burning incense, Aaron is interceding on behalf of the people, seeking God's forgiveness for their sins (which led to the plague). He is acting as a mediator between God and the people, trying to appease God's wrath and stop the plague.
In summary, this verse portrays:
A crisis of divine judgment: The plague is a sign of God's anger and punishment for the Israelites' sin.
The power of intercession: Aaron, as the High Priest, acts as an intercessor, standing between the people and God, appealing for mercy.
A symbol of repentance and reconciliation: The burning of incense symbolizes prayer, repentance, and the desire for reconciliation with God.
An act of sacrifice and courage: Aaron risks his own life by entering the plague-stricken assembly to perform his priestly duty.
The verse ultimately shows God's mercy by responding to Aaron's actions, although the following verses demonstrate the plague continued until a specific action was taken. This account also emphasizes the role of the priesthood in mediating between God and humanity, which is a central theme in the Old Testament.
Numbers 16:47 - Aaron did as Moses said, and ran into the middle of the assembly. The plague had already begun among the people. He put on the incense, and made atonement for the people.
What does "Numbers 16:47" mean?
This verse from Numbers 16:47 describes a moment of crisis and intervention during a plague sent by God upon the Israelites. Let's break down the meaning:
"Aaron did as Moses said...": This highlights Aaron's obedience and submission to Moses's authority, which was ultimately divinely appointed. This obedience is crucial in the narrative, as it indicates Aaron is acting in accordance with God's will.
"...and ran into the middle of the assembly...": This emphasizes the urgency and peril of the situation. Aaron doesn't hesitate; he sprints into the midst of the dying and suffering people. His action demonstrates courage and compassion.
"The plague had already begun among the people...": This underscores the severity of the situation. The plague is actively killing people, and time is of the essence. This emphasizes the desperation and need for immediate action.
"He put on the incense...": The incense is significant because in the Old Testament, incense was often used as a way to symbolize prayer ascending to God. Burning incense was considered a sacred act, a way to purify and seek God's favor. Aaron, as the High Priest, was responsible for rituals that were thought to appease God's anger.
"...and made atonement for the people.": This is the core of the verse's meaning. "Atonement" means to make amends, to cover over sin, and to reconcile with God. By burning incense, Aaron is interceding on behalf of the people, seeking God's forgiveness for their sins (which led to the plague). He is acting as a mediator between God and the people, trying to appease God's wrath and stop the plague.
In summary, this verse portrays:
A crisis of divine judgment: The plague is a sign of God's anger and punishment for the Israelites' sin.
The power of intercession: Aaron, as the High Priest, acts as an intercessor, standing between the people and God, appealing for mercy.
A symbol of repentance and reconciliation: The burning of incense symbolizes prayer, repentance, and the desire for reconciliation with God.
An act of sacrifice and courage: Aaron risks his own life by entering the plague-stricken assembly to perform his priestly duty.
The verse ultimately shows God's mercy by responding to Aaron's actions, although the following verses demonstrate the plague continued until a specific action was taken. This account also emphasizes the role of the priesthood in mediating between God and humanity, which is a central theme in the Old Testament.