Then Aaron returned to Moses at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, since the plague had been halted. Then Aaron returnedThe phrase "Then Aaron returned" signifies a moment of completion and obedience. Aaron, the high priest, acts as an intermediary between God and the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "returned" is "שׁוּב" (shuv), which often implies repentance or turning back. This action symbolizes Aaron's faithful execution of God's command, highlighting the importance of obedience and the role of the priesthood in mediating between God and His people. to Moses at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting since the plague had been halted Persons / Places / Events 1. AaronThe brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. In Numbers 16, Aaron plays a crucial role in interceding for the people of Israel during a plague. 2. Moses The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. Moses is central in mediating between God and the Israelites during the rebellion of Korah. 3. The Tabernacle The dwelling place of God among the Israelites, where Aaron and Moses often communicated with God. It is the focal point of worship and sacrifice. 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's leadership. 5. Israelites The chosen people of God, who are often depicted as rebellious and disobedient, yet recipients of God's mercy and grace. Teaching Points The Role of IntercessionAaron's intercession highlights the importance of standing in the gap for others in prayer and seeking God's mercy on behalf of those who have sinned. The Consequences of Rebellion The rebellion of Korah serves as a warning against challenging God's appointed leaders and the consequences of disobedience. God's Mercy and Justice While God is just in punishing sin, His mercy is evident in providing a means of atonement and sparing the lives of many through Aaron's actions. The Importance of Obedience Obedience to God's commands and respect for His chosen leaders are crucial for maintaining order and receiving His blessings. The Power of Prayer The swift cessation of the plague upon Aaron's intercession demonstrates the power of prayer and the importance of seeking God's intervention in times of crisis. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Aaron's role as an intercessor in Numbers 16:50 reflect the role of Jesus as our high priest in the New Testament?2. What lessons can we learn from the rebellion of Korah about the dangers of pride and challenging God's authority? 3. In what ways can we apply the principle of intercession in our own prayer lives today? 4. How does the incident in Numbers 16:50 illustrate the balance between God's justice and mercy? 5. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are obedient to God's commands and respectful of His appointed leaders in our lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 32The incident of the golden calf, where Moses intercedes for the Israelites, parallels Aaron's intercession in Numbers 16. Leviticus 10 The deaths of Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's sons, for offering unauthorized fire, highlight the seriousness of approaching God improperly, similar to the rebellion in Numbers 16. Hebrews 7 Discusses the priesthood of Jesus, drawing parallels to Aaron's role as a mediator, but emphasizing the superiority of Christ's eternal priesthood.
People Aaron, Abiram, Dathan, Eleazar, Eliab, Israelites, Izhar, Kohath, Korah, Levi, Levites, Moses, Pallu, Peleth, Reuben, ReubenitesPlaces Wilderness of ParanTopics Aaron, Checked, Congregation, Disease, Door, Doorway, Entrance, Meeting, Opening, Plague, Restrained, Returned, Stayed, Stop, Stopped, Tabernacle, Tent, TurnethDictionary 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 16:50 NIVNumbers 16:50 NLT Numbers 16:50 ESV Numbers 16:50 NASB Numbers 16:50 KJV Numbers 16:50 Commentaries Bible Hub |