He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague was halted. He stoodThe phrase "He stood" signifies a deliberate and courageous action. In the Hebrew context, the word used here is "עָמַד" (amad), which means to stand, remain, or endure. This action by Aaron, the high priest, is not passive but an active stance of intercession. It reflects the role of a mediator, one who stands in the gap on behalf of others. In a broader theological sense, this foreshadows the ultimate intercessor, Jesus Christ, who stands between humanity and divine judgment. between the living and the dead
This phrase highlights the critical position Aaron takes, physically and spiritually. The Hebrew word "בֵּין" (bein) means between, among, or in the midst of. Aaron's position is symbolic of the priestly role as a mediator between God and man. Historically, this act occurs during a severe plague as a result of rebellion against Moses and Aaron. Aaron's standing "between the living and the dead" underscores the urgency and gravity of the situation, emphasizing the thin line between life and death, and the power of intercession to bridge that gap. and the plague was halted
The word "plague" in Hebrew is "מַגֵּפָה" (magephah), which refers to a blow, slaughter, or plague. This was a divine judgment upon the Israelites for their rebellion. The halting of the plague signifies God's mercy and the effectiveness of Aaron's intercession. The Hebrew root for "halted" is "עָצַר" (atsar), meaning to restrain or stop. This cessation of the plague is a powerful testament to the power of prayer and intercession, and it serves as a reminder of God's willingness to forgive and restore when there is genuine repentance and mediation. This act of halting the plague through Aaron's intercession is a precursor to the ultimate cessation of sin's plague through Christ's sacrifice. Persons / Places / Events 1. AaronThe brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. In this passage, Aaron acts as an intercessor between God and the people of Israel. 2. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who, along with Aaron, pleads for God's mercy on behalf of the people. 3. The IsraelitesThe people of God who are experiencing a deadly plague as a consequence of their rebellion against Moses and Aaron. 4. The PlagueA divine punishment sent by God as a result of the rebellion led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron's leadership. 5. The TabernacleThe dwelling place of God among His people, where Aaron took the censer to make atonement for the people. Teaching Points The Power of IntercessionAaron's act of standing between the living and the dead illustrates the power of intercessory prayer. Believers are called to intercede for others, standing in the gap through prayer and supplication. The Consequences of RebellionThe plague was a direct result of the Israelites' rebellion. This serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the importance of obedience to God's appointed leaders. The Role of the High PriestAaron's role as a mediator foreshadows the ultimate mediation of Jesus Christ, our High Priest, who intercedes on our behalf before God. God's Mercy and JusticeWhile God is just in punishing sin, His mercy is evident in providing a means of atonement through Aaron's intercession. This balance of justice and mercy is central to God's character. Standing Firm in FaithIn times of crisis, like Aaron, believers are called to stand firm in faith, trusting in God's provision and intervention. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Aaron's intercession in Numbers 16:48 reflect the role of Jesus as our High Priest in the New Testament? 2. What can we learn from the Israelites' rebellion about the importance of respecting God's appointed leaders? 3. In what ways can we practice intercessory prayer in our own lives, standing "between the living and the dead"? 4. How does the event in Numbers 16:48 demonstrate both God's justice and His mercy? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's intervention in a difficult situation. How can this passage encourage you to trust in God's provision and protection? 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 stopping the plague. Hebrews 7:25This verse speaks of Jesus as our eternal intercessor, drawing a parallel to Aaron's intercession for the Israelites. Psalm 106:30This 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 Checked, Dead, Disease, Plague, Restrained, Stand, Standeth, Stayed, Stood, StoppedDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 16:48 6684 mediator Numbers 16:1-50 5550 speech, negative Numbers 16:39-48 5072 Aaron, spokesman Numbers 16:41-49 5297 disease Numbers 16:41-50 4843 plague Numbers 16:46-48 6027 sin, remedy for Library 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
Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory! D eath, simply considered, is no more than the cessation of life --that which was once living, lives no longer. But it has been the general, perhaps the universal custom of mankind, to personify it. Imagination gives death a formidable appearance, arms it with a dart, sting or scythe, and represents it as an active, inexorable and invincible reality. In this view death is a great devourer; with his iron tongue …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Whether Vengeance Should be Taken on those who have Sinned Involuntarily?
Objection 1: It seems that vengeance should be taken on those who have sinned involuntarily. For the will of one man does not follow from the will of another. Yet one man is punished for another, according to Ex. 20:5, "I am . . . God . . . jealous, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation." Thus for the sin of Cham, his son Chanaan was curse (Gn. 9:25) and for the sin of Giezi, his descendants were struck with leprosy (4 Kings 5). Again the blood …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Conflict.
"Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against themselves, that ye …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
Text: 1 Corinthians 10, 6-13. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
Presented to the World in a Familiar Dialogue Between Mr. Wiseman and Mr. Attentive. By John Bunyan ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The life of Badman is a very interesting description, a true and lively portraiture, of the demoralized classes of the trading community in the reign of King Charles II; a subject which naturally led the author to use expressions familiar among such persons, but which are now either obsolete or considered as vulgar. In fact it is the only work proceeding from the prolific …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 16:48 NIVNumbers 16:48 NLTNumbers 16:48 ESVNumbers 16:48 NASBNumbers 16:48 KJV
Numbers 16:48 Commentaries
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