Numbers 16:50
And Aaron returned unto Moses unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the plague was stayed.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֤שָׁב
returned
H7725
וַיָּ֤שָׁב
returned
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
1 of 10
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
פֶּ֖תַח
unto the door
H6607
פֶּ֖תַח
unto the door
Strong's:
H6607
Word #:
6 of 10
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
אֹ֣הֶל
of the tabernacle
H168
אֹ֣הֶל
of the tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
7 of 10
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
Historical Context
The tabernacle's entrance served as the meeting point between human priests and divine presence. Aaron's return there after stopping the plague symbolized presenting the results of his intercession to both God (in the tabernacle) and Moses (representing the people).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Aaron's positioning 'between the dead and living' (16:48) illustrate Christ's mediatorial work?
- What does the immediate effectiveness of Aaron's intercession teach about the urgency and power of prayer?
- How can you position yourself as an intercessor 'between' those facing spiritual death and God's life-giving presence?
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Analysis & Commentary
Aaron returned unto Moses unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the plague was stayed—Aaron's return (שׁוּב shuv) to the tabernacle entrance marks mission completion—intercession had achieved its purpose. The verb stayed (עָצַר atsar, restrained/halted) indicates divine acceptance of priestly mediation, as Aaron stood between the dead and the living (16:48) offering propitiatory incense.
This dramatic scene prefigures Christ's greater intercession—standing between humanity (dead in sins) and God (source of life), making atonement that stops death's advance. Aaron's immediate response to Moses' command (16:46) demonstrates that effective intercession requires prompt obedience, proper authorization, and sacrificial positioning in the place of danger.