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Numbers 16:41-50 – The Plague

The shrieks of the rebels are still sounding in the people’s ears, the smell of the fire remains, and yet the same sins are repeated and all these warnings ignored. It is obvious that Moses and Aaron have no hand in the death of the rebels (they do what they can to save them), so that in charging them with murder the people are in effect charging God Himself with it. The continued obstinacy of this people shows how necessary the grace of God is to change men’s hearts and lives.

Though Moses and Aaron have plenty of reasons to see the people destroyed, yet they forgive and forget the insult against them and are the best friends their enemies have. Aaron goes and burns incense between the living and the dead, to pacify an offended God, and so stops the judgment. From this we see that Aaron is a very good man, and a man that has a true love for the people, though they hate and envy him. He does not make them wait, but makes all possible speed into the gap at which death is entering. Moses and Aaron teach us here by their example not to be resentful towards those that are angry with us, nor to deny them any real kindness which it is in our power to do. Aaron is a very bold man—bold to venture into the midst of an enraged crowd that are gathered together against him, and who, for all he knows, might be even angrier by the plague—bold to venture into the midst of the infection, where thousands are falling on the right hand and on the left. To save their lives he risks his own. Aaron is a type of Christ, who came into the world to make an atonement for sin and to turn away the wrath of God from us, and who, by His mediation and intercession, stands between the living and the dead, to secure His people, and save them out of the midst of a world infected with sin and the curse.

Questions

  1. What do the people accuse Moses and Aaron of doing?
  2. How is Aaron like Christ?

Prayer Points

  1. Give thanks for Christ’s atoning work on our behalf.
  2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
  3. Pray for family matters.