Numbers 16:47
And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people.
Numbers 16:47 · King James Version
Meaning
When Aaron took the incense and ran into the midst of the congregation as commanded by Moses, he was taking a bold step to intervene in a dire situation. The plague had already begun spreading among the people, and Aaron acted swiftly to make an atonement on behalf of the people. The act of putting on incense was a symbolic gesture to seek forgiveness and cleansing for the sins of the people. In biblical times, incense was often used in rituals as a way to create a sweet-smelling aroma that was pleasing to God. By offering incense and making atonement, Aaron was seeking to appease God and ask for mercy to stop the plague from spreading further. This verse showcases the importance of taking immediate action in times of crisis and the belief in the power of prayer and rituals to intercede on behalf of a community. It is a reminder of the role of religious leaders as mediators between God and humanity, seeking forgiveness and reconciliation in times of trouble.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Numbers, we see Aaron carrying out the instructions given to him by Moses in the midst of a plague that had broken out among the people. The theological interpretation of this verse can be seen in the way Aaron acts as a mediator between God and the people by making atonement for their sins through the burning of incense. This act of atonement points to the concept of intercession, where a righteous individual intervenes on behalf of others to seek forgiveness and reconciliation with God. The word 'atonement' itself signifies a covering or reconciliation, highlighting the idea that through Aaron's actions, the people's sins were covered over and forgiveness was sought. The word 'plague' also carries theological significance, as it symbolizes the consequences of sin and disobedience, serving as a reminder of the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness. Overall, this verse illustrates the importance of atonement, intercession, and seeking forgiveness in the context of a community facing the consequences of their actions.
Numbers 16:47 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Aaron took as Moses spake, and ran into the midst of the assembly; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on the incense, and made atonement for the people.
World English Bible
Aaron did as Moses said, and ran into the midst of the assembly. Behold, the plague has begun among the people. He put on the incense, and made atonement for the people.
Douay-Rheims
When Aaron had done this, and had run to the midst of the multitude which the burning fire was now destroying, he offered the incense:
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Aaron tooke as Moses commanded him, and ranne into the middes of the Congregation, and beholde, the plague was begun among the people, and hee put in incense, and made an atonement for the people.