Num 16:41-59, 46 Then Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer and put incense in it, along with burning coals from the altar, and HURRY to the assembly to make atonement for them. Wrath has come out from the Lord; the plague has started.” 47 So Aaron did as Moses said, and RAN into the midst of the assembly. ..offered the incense and made atonement for them. 48 … and the plague stopped. …
The children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron, accusing them of killing the people of the Lord (vs 41). As they gathered against the two, suddenly the cloud covered the tabernacle and the glory of the Lord appeared to shield Moses and Aaron. God planned to pull them away before sending a plague to consume the murmurers, but Moses.
Moses never ceased to intercede for Israel as they rebelled against him and God. Moses who in Num 12 interceded for his sister and brother who spoke against him, this Moses knew the ways of the Lord. As the plagues came down to wipe Moses’ enemies, God’s enemies, Moses acted fast for God’s namesake. He told Aaron the priest, the man he recently interceded for to rise and intercede (make atonement) for these people.
Every second delayed was life lost. Moses declared a state of emergency, suspended other duties and made the atonement for the people his top priority. They rescued many lives when they intentionally resolved to do something about the current situation. Could it be possible that Samuel followed in the footsteps of Moses in this regard, 1Sa 12:22-23 “22 For the LORD will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you His people. 23 Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; ….”
The primary reason Moses sent Aaron to atone for the people was for the sake of God’s great name (glory). God’s reputation was the biggest drive to intercede for Israel, and I can see similar drive with Samuel. We need such prayer warriors with concern for God’s great name as the drive to make intercession top priority even for our enemies