In Numbers 16 What Role Does Intercession Play In Our Relationship With God As Seen Through Aarons Actions?
Intercession in Numbers 16: Aaron’s Role and Our Relationship with God
Numbers 16 is a dramatic chapter in the story of Israel’s wilderness journey, highlighting the seriousness of rebellion against God’s appointed leaders, but also the profound power of intercessory prayer. At the heart of this narrative is Aaron, the high priest, whose actions in the midst of crisis reveal deep truths about the role of intercession in our relationship with God.
Background: The Rebellion of Korah
The chapter opens with Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and 250 leaders rebelling against Moses and Aaron’s leadership. They question the unique calling of the priesthood and God’s appointed authority. God’s response is decisive: He affirms Moses and Aaron, judging the rebels through a miraculous display of holiness (Numbers 16:31-35 ASV).
The Plague and Aaron’s Intervention
Following the initial judgment, the entire congregation grumbles against Moses and Aaron, blaming them for the deaths of Korah and his followers (Numbers 16:41 ASV). In response, God’s wrath is kindled again, and a deadly plague breaks out among the people. What happens next is remarkable:
And Moses said unto Aaron, Take thy censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and lay incense thereon, and carry it quickly unto the congregation, and make atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from Jehovah; the plague is begun. 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. - Numbers 16:46-47 ASV
Aaron’s actions were not passive; he ran into the midst of those dying. He stood “between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed” (Numbers 16:48 ASV). Here, Aaron embodies the role of an intercessor—standing between God’s righteous judgment and sinful people, pleading for mercy.
Insights on Intercession
- Intercession is Urgent and Sacrificial: Aaron’s immediate response—risking his life among the plague-stricken—illustrates the urgency and self-sacrifice required of a true intercessor.
- Intercession Relies on God’s Appointed Means: Aaron’s use of incense, which symbolizes prayer (Psalm 141:2 ASV; Revelation 8:3 ASV), shows that intercession is based on God’s prescribed way to approach Him. It is not human invention, but divine provision.
- Intercession Makes a Real Difference: The narrative clearly states that Aaron’s atonement halted the plague. God chooses to work through the prayers and intervention of His people (James 5:16 ASV).
Christ, Our Great Intercessor
Aaron, as high priest, foreshadows the ultimate intercessor—Jesus Christ. The New Testament teaches that Jesus continually intercedes for us before the Father:
Wherefore also he is able to save to the uttermost them that draw near unto God through him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. - Hebrews 7:25 ASV
Through Christ’s atoning sacrifice, believers have direct access to God and can confidently intercede for others (1 Timothy 2:1 ASV).
Application: Our Call to Intercede
Scripture calls all believers to participate in intercession—praying for leaders, the lost, the suffering, and even those who oppose us (Matthew 5:44 ASV). Like Aaron, we are called to stand in the gap, motivated by Christ’s love and empowered by His Spirit.
As we pray and intercede, we are reminded that God delights to show mercy and is willing to relent from judgment in response to the prayers of His people (Ezekiel 22:30 ASV).
Conclusion
Aaron’s intercession in Numbers 16 demonstrates the vital role of prayerful mediation in our relationship with God. It points us to Jesus, our perfect High Priest, and challenges us to intercede boldly for others, trusting in God’s grace and power to save.