18
All over the land they lay half-dead and let it be known why they were dying.
19
They knew why they were dying, because their horrible dreams had told them.
20
Death also came to the righteous nation, for an epidemic struck many of them while they were in the desert, but your anger did not last long.
21
There was a certain blameless man who quickly took action to defend them. Acting as their priest, Aaron offered prayers and burned the incense used in asking forgiveness of sins. With prayers and incense as his weapons, he withstood your anger and ended the disaster. By doing this he proved that he was your servant.
22
He overcame the bitter difficulty, but not by his own strength or by military force. Instead, he used prayer to stop the punishment, appealing to the promises you solemnly gave to our ancestors.