Signs of the Times, Book 1 - Ellen G. White

A manifestation of the divine glory appeared in the cloud above the
tabernacle, and the angry throng were arrested in their mad, presumptuous
course. A voice from the terrible glory speaks to Moses and Aaron in the
same words which they were the day before commanded to address to the
people. "Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them
as in a moment."
Moses did not feel the guilt of sin, and hence he did not hasten away and
leave the congregation to perish, as the people had fled from the tents of
Korah and his company the day before. Moses lingered; for he could not
consent to give up that vast multitude to be destroyed, although he knew that
they deserved the wrath of God for their persistent rebellion.
He prostrates himself before God, because the people feel no necessity
for humiliation. He mediates for them, because they feel no need of
interceding in their own behalf. Moses here typifies Christ. In this terrible
crisis, Moses manifests the true shepherd's interest for the flock of his care.
He pleads that the wrath of an offended God may not utterly destroy the
people of his choice. By his intercession he holds back the arm of vengeance,
that a full end may not be made of disobedient, rebellious Israel.
Moses then directed Aaron to take his censer and make an atonement for
the people, for the wrath of God had gone forth, and the plague had begun.
Aaron stood with his censer, waving it before the Lord, while the
intercessions of Moses ascended with the smoke of the incense. Moses dared
not cease his entreaties. He took hold of the strength of the angel, as did
Jacob in his wrestling, and like Jacob he prevailed. Aaron was standing
between the living and the dead, when the gracious answer came, I have
heard thy prayer, I will not consume utterly. Again the very men whom the
congregation despised and would have put to death, are the ones to plead in
their behalf that the avenging sword of God might be sheathed, and sinful
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