Numbers 16:48
And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּֽעֲמֹ֥ד
And he stood
H5975
וַיַּֽעֲמֹ֥ד
And he stood
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
1 of 7
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
בֵּֽין
H996
בֵּֽין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
2 of 7
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
הַמֵּתִ֖ים
between the dead
H4191
הַמֵּתִ֖ים
between the dead
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
3 of 7
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
וּבֵ֣ין
H996
וּבֵ֣ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
4 of 7
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
הַֽחַיִּ֑ים
and the living
H2416
הַֽחַיִּ֑ים
and the living
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
5 of 7
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
Historical Context
This event vindicated Aaron's priesthood after Korah's challenge and foreshadowed Christ's greater mediation. Where Aaron's intercession temporarily stayed physical death, Christ's sacrifice permanently conquers spiritual death for believers.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Aaron's positioning between dead and living illustrate Christ's mediatorial work?
- What does the death toll despite intercession teach about the seriousness of sin's consequences?
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Analysis & Commentary
Aaron 'stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed.' This powerful image captures the mediator's position—halting judgment's advance through atoning sacrifice. The phrase emphasizes Aaron's positioning: he literally placed himself at the boundary where death ceased its progress. Yet 14,700 died (v.49), showing that while intercession halts judgment, it cannot prevent consequences of persistent rebellion.