“Speak unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, that he take up the censers out of the burning, and scatter thou the fire yonder; for they are hallowed.”
In Numbers 16, we find the account of Korah’s rebellion against Moses and Aaron. Korah, along with Dathan, Abiram, and On, led a group of 250 prominent men from the Israelite community to challenge the leadership of Moses and Aaron. They questioned the authority and priesthood of Aaron, claiming that all the people were holy and should be able to offer incense before the Lord.
In response to this rebellion, Moses proposed a test to determine whom God had chosen to be the spiritual leaders. He instructed Korah and his followers to bring their censers with fire and incense before the Lord the next day, and God would reveal His choice.
In Numbers 16:37, Moses addresses Eleazar, the son of Aaron and the appointed high priest after Aaron’s death. Moses instructs Eleazar to take up the censers from the midst of the burning and scatter the fire away from the rebellious group. The reason given is that the censers themselves were holy, dedicated to God’s service, and should not be destroyed.
This verse highlights a couple of important points. First, it emphasizes the sacredness of the priestly office and the significance of the censers used in the worship of God. The censers were set apart for the purpose of offering incense before the Lord, signifying the connection between the people and God through prayer and worship.
Second, it serves as a reminder of God’s authority and the consequences of rebellion against His established order. Korah and his followers had challenged God’s chosen leaders and attempted to usurp their roles. This act of disobedience led to severe consequences, as we see later in the chapter when the earth opened up and swallowed Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and their households. It was a sobering demonstration of the consequences of rebellion against God’s appointed authorities.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of respecting and honoring God’s chosen leaders. It reminds us to be mindful of the authority structures that God has established in our lives and to submit to them. It also underscores the significance of recognizing and valuing the sacredness of the objects and rituals associated with worshiping God.
Overall, Numbers 16:37 conveys a message of reverence for God’s ordained leaders and the sacredness of the instruments used in His worship, while also serving as a warning against rebellion and the consequences that can follow.
