Numbers 16:44

⁴³Then Moses and Aaron went to the front of the Tent of Meeting,⁴⁴and the LORD said to Moses,⁴⁵“Get away from this congregation so that I may consume them in an instant.” And Moses and Aaron fell facedown.

Summary

In Numbers 16:44, Moses and Aaron intercede on behalf of the Israelites who were facing God's wrath due to rebellion. The verse illustrates the importance of prayer and intercession in seeking God's mercy and forgiveness. Through their actions, Moses and Aaron demonstrate the role of mediators between the people and God, showing the power of humble supplication. This passage serves as a reminder of the significance of seeking divine intervention and grace in times of trouble and judgment.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Get you up from among this congregation,.... That is, withdraw from them, and be separate, that they might not be involved in the same destruction with them, as well as that they might have no concern for them, or plead with the Lord in prayer on their account, but let him alone to destroy them, as follows: that I may consume them in a moment; as he was able to do, and had proposed to do it before, but they entreated him that he would not, Num 16:21; as they again do: and they fell upon their faces; in prayer, as the Targums of Jonathan and Jerusalem; and so Aben Ezra observes, it was to pray to deprecate the wrath of God, and to implore his pardoning mercy for this sinful people; which shows what an excellent temper and disposition these men were of, to pray for them that had so despitefully used them as to charge them with murder, and were about to commit it on them; see Mat 5:44.