“And take every man his censer, and put incense in them, and bring ye before the LORD every man his censer, two hundred and fifty censers; thou also, and Aaron, each of you his censer.”
Context: The book of Numbers records the events that took place during the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. In Numbers 16, we find the account of Korah’s rebellion against Moses and Aaron’s leadership.
Korah’s Rebellion: Korah, along with some prominent leaders of the Israelite community, challenged Moses and Aaron’s authority, claiming that they were taking too much upon themselves and that all the people were holy (Numbers 16:3). They confronted Moses and Aaron, seeking to share in the priestly duties and authority.
Moses’ Response: In response to Korah’s rebellion, Moses suggested a test to determine whom God had chosen for the priestly duties. Moses instructed Korah and his followers to take censers (a type of vessel used for burning incense) and present themselves before the Lord with incense in the censers.
The Challenge: Moses directed each person involved, including Korah, to take his own censer and put incense in it (Numbers 16:17). The purpose of this action was to see whom God would choose as the legitimate priests. The rebellion of Korah was a direct challenge to God’s appointed leadership, and Moses proposed this test to allow God Himself to determine who should serve as priests.
God’s Judgment: The following verses (Numbers 16:18-35) describe the dramatic events that unfolded after the rebels presented themselves with their censers before the Lord. God made it clear that He had chosen Moses and Aaron as the leaders and priests for the Israelite community. The ground opened up and swallowed Korah and his followers, and fire consumed the 250 men who had offered incense in their censers.
Lessons and Applications:
- Respect for God-ordained authority: Korah’s rebellion highlights the importance of respecting the authority that God establishes. Moses and Aaron were chosen and anointed by God for their specific roles, and challenging their leadership was ultimately an act of rebellion against God Himself.
- The danger of pride and envy: Korah’s rebellion was rooted in pride and envy. He desired the status and authority that Moses and Aaron held. This account serves as a warning against the destructive nature of these sins and the consequences they can bring.
- God’s sovereignty and judgment: The judgment that followed Korah’s rebellion demonstrates God’s authority and power. God alone has the authority to establish leaders and judge those who oppose His appointed leaders.
- Trusting God’s choice: The test with the censers showed that God confirmed Moses and Aaron as His chosen leaders. It reminds us to trust in God’s selection and to be content with the roles and responsibilities He has given us.
In summary, Numbers 16:17 portrays the events of Korah’s rebellion, where Moses instructed the rebels to take their censers with incense before the Lord as a test to determine God’s chosen leaders. The subsequent judgment demonstrated the importance of respecting God-ordained authority and the consequences of pride and rebellion. It also highlights the sovereignty of God and the need to trust in His choices.
