"And Eleazar the priest took the brazen censers, wherewith they that were burnt had offered, and they were made broad plates for a covering of the altar."
Numbers 16:39 is part of the account of the rebellion led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron. They challenged the authority of Moses and Aaron, claiming that they had taken too much power and that the entire congregation of Israel was holy. This rebellion ultimately resulted in severe consequences from God.
In the preceding verses, Moses instructs the Israelites to move away from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram to avoid being consumed in God’s judgment. As a result of their rebellion, the ground opened up and swallowed these men and their households, along with all their possessions. Additionally, fire came forth from the Lord and consumed the 250 men who had offered incense.
Numbers 16:39 we see Eleazar the priest collecting the brazen censers that had been used by the rebels to offer incense before the Lord. These censers were made of bronze and were typically used for offering incense in worship. However, since these censers had been used in rebellion and were associated with the judgment of God, they could no longer be used for their original purpose.
To repurpose these censers, Eleazar made them into broad plates to serve as a covering for the altar. This act carried symbolic significance. It represented a clear separation between the authority appointed by God and those who rebelled against it. By covering the altar with these plates, Eleazar ensured that the rebellion and its consequences would not contaminate the sacred place of worship.
This passage teaches us several important lessons. First, it underscores the significance of God’s appointed authority. Korah, Dathan, and Abiram’s rebellion serves as a warning against challenging or undermining the leaders whom God has placed in authority. Second, it emphasizes the consequences of disobedience and rebellion. God’s judgment was severe upon those who opposed His established order. Finally, the repurposing of the censers as a covering for the altar reminds us of the importance of maintaining purity and sanctity in worship.
Overall, Numbers 16:39 reminds us to respect and honour the authority that God has established, to be mindful of the consequences of rebellion and disobedience, and to approach worship with reverence and purity.
