Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Numbers 16:47. It's a really significant moment in Jewish history! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Situation: Aaron is talking to Moses: This verse tells us that Aaron, one of the twelve sons of Jacob (who was also a leader in Israel), is speaking with Moses about something important. Moses commanded Aaron to do this: Moses had given Aaron a specific task – to perform an atonement for the people. This was a crucial moment because it meant he needed to show God’s forgiveness and offer a way to appease them after a terrible incident. What Happened Next: Aaron ran into the middle of the crowd: Aaron, being a man of importance, instinctively moved towards the center of the throng. The Plague Began: As he did this, a plague started happening among the people. This wasn’t just a minor inconvenience; it was a severe and frightening event – a sickness that seemed to be spreading rapidly. What Moses Did: He put on incense: Moses instructed Aaron to use incense (a sacred smoke offering) as a sign of apology and to try and appease the people. He made an atonement for the people: This is the most important part! He was essentially saying, "I acknowledge that this event has caused suffering, and I offer a way to make things right." In short, it’s a dramatic story of Aaron's actions – he took responsibility for a problem and attempted to heal the situation with prayer and sacrifice. Why is this important? This passage is considered one of the most important in Jewish tradition. It highlights: Responsibility: It emphasizes that even those in positions of power are accountable for their actions and can be held responsible for the consequences. Apology & Reconciliation: It shows a willingness to acknowledge wrongdoing and seek forgiveness, which is central to Jewish faith. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, I could go into a bit more about the significance of incense or the context of the story?