Biblical Context:
Aaron, the brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel, plays a pivotal role in the narrative of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. One of the significant events highlighting his priestly duties is his intercession to stop a devastating plague among the people, as recorded in the Book of Numbers.

Scriptural Account:
The incident occurs in Numbers 16, following the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron's leadership. After the earth swallows the rebels and fire consumes 250 men offering incense, the Israelites grumble against Moses and Aaron, accusing them of killing the LORD's people. In response, the LORD's anger is kindled, and a plague begins to spread among the congregation.

Numbers 16:46-48 describes Aaron's intercession: "Then Moses said to Aaron, 'Take your censer, place fire from the altar in it, add incense, and take it quickly to the congregation to make atonement for them, because wrath has come out from the LORD; the plague has begun.' So Aaron did as Moses directed and ran into the midst of the assembly. The plague had already begun among the people, but Aaron offered the incense and made atonement for them. He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague was halted."

Priestly Role and Symbolism:
Aaron's actions underscore his role as a mediator between God and the Israelites. The use of incense, a symbol of prayer and intercession, highlights the priestly function of making atonement for the people. By standing "between the living and the dead," Aaron physically and spiritually intervenes, embodying the priestly duty of reconciliation and protection.

Theological Implications:
This event illustrates the power of intercessory prayer and the importance of the priestly office in ancient Israel. Aaron's quick response and obedience to Moses' instructions demonstrate the urgency and efficacy of priestly intervention in times of divine judgment. The narrative also emphasizes the holiness and justice of God, who responds to rebellion with righteous anger, yet provides a means of atonement through the priesthood.

Legacy and Reflection:
Aaron's intercession to stop the plague is a testament to his dedication and the critical role of the priesthood in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people. This episode serves as a reminder of the need for faithful leadership and the power of prayerful intercession in the face of communal sin and divine wrath.Numbers 16:46-48
And Moses said to Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly to the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun.
Nave's Topical Index

Introduction.
... a priesthood neither after the order of Aaron, nor yet ... lesser and imperfect good,
which strikes thrice and stays? ... but the ferryman has got the plague, and if ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/introduction.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... from the dead; there the Lord was entreated by David to take away the plague, and
to ... But he that stays in the outward one is but such an one as pleases not God ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... it was the plague of Egypt: it is an empty, forlorn, desolate, solitary, and
discomforting ... As the cloud goes, so will she; and when the cloud stays, so will ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

Who was Aaron in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the relationship of Moses and Aaron? | GotQuestions.org

Why wasn't Aaron punished for making the golden calf? | GotQuestions.org

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