Numbers 16:39

So Eleazar the priest took the bronze censers brought by those who had been burned up, and he had them hammered out to overlay the altar,

Study Bible

So Eleazar the priest
Eleazar, the son of Aaron, holds a significant role as a priest, representing the continuation of the Aaronic priesthood. His name means "God has helped," which is fitting given his role in this narrative. The priesthood was a sacred office, and Eleazar's actions here underscore the importance of maintaining holiness and order in worship. Historically, the priesthood was central to Israelite worship, serving as mediators between God and the people. Eleazar's involvement signifies the divine authority and responsibility bestowed upon the priesthood.

took the bronze censers
The bronze censers were instruments used for burning incense, symbolizing prayer and worship ascending to God. In this context, they were used by Korah and his followers in their rebellion against Moses and Aaron. The Hebrew word for censer, "machtah," can also mean a firepan, emphasizing its use in sacred rituals. The bronze material signifies strength and endurance, qualities that are now being redirected from rebellion to divine service. This act of taking the censers is a reclaiming of what was misused for God's purposes.

brought by those who had been burned up
This phrase refers to the followers of Korah who were consumed by fire as a divine judgment for their rebellion. The Hebrew root for "burned up" is "saraph," which means to burn or consume. This judgment serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of challenging God's appointed leaders and the sanctity of His commands. It highlights the seriousness with which God views rebellion and the importance of obedience and reverence in worship.

and they were hammered out
The act of hammering out the censers signifies transformation and redemption. What was once used in an act of defiance is now being reshaped for holy use. This process of transformation is symbolic of God's ability to take what is broken or misused and repurpose it for His glory. The Hebrew concept of "hammering" or "beating" often implies a refining process, much like how God refines His people through trials and discipline.

to overlay the altar
The altar is a central element in Israelite worship, representing the place of sacrifice and atonement. By overlaying the altar with the bronze from the censers, a permanent reminder is created of the consequences of rebellion and the holiness required in approaching God. The altar, now adorned with the bronze, becomes a testimony to God's justice and mercy. It serves as a visual and tangible reminder to the Israelites of the importance of purity and obedience in their worship practices.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Eleazar the Priest
The son of Aaron, Eleazar was a key figure in the priesthood, responsible for carrying out God's commands regarding the tabernacle and its services. In this passage, he is tasked with collecting the censers of the rebellious men.

2. The Bronze Censers
These were the censers used by Korah and his followers in their rebellion against Moses and Aaron. They were considered holy because they had been presented before the LORD.

3. The Rebellion of Korah
This event involved Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and 250 leaders of the community who challenged the leadership of Moses and Aaron, resulting in their destruction by fire from the LORD.

4. The Altar
The altar in the tabernacle was a central place of worship and sacrifice. The censers were hammered into a covering for the altar as a sign and reminder to the Israelites.

5. The Israelites
The community of God's chosen people, who witnessed the consequences of rebellion and were reminded of the holiness required in approaching God.

Teaching Points

The Holiness of God
God's holiness demands reverence and obedience. The censers, though used in rebellion, were still considered holy because they were presented before the LORD.

The Consequences of Rebellion
Rebellion against God's appointed leaders and His commands leads to severe consequences. This serves as a warning to respect God's order and authority.

The Role of Remembrance
The bronze overlay on the altar served as a perpetual reminder to the Israelites of the consequences of disobedience. We, too, should have reminders of God's past works and lessons in our lives.

The Importance of Leadership
God appoints leaders for His purposes. Challenging God's chosen leaders is equivalent to challenging God Himself.

The Call to Holiness
As believers, we are called to approach God with reverence and purity, recognizing the seriousness of our worship and service.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Eleazar in this passage reflect the responsibilities of spiritual leaders today?

2. What can we learn from the fate of Korah and his followers about the importance of respecting God's established order?

3. In what ways can we create "reminders" in our own lives to remember God's holiness and past lessons?

4. How does the concept of holiness in this passage connect with the New Testament teachings on holiness and reverence?

5. What are some modern-day examples of rebellion against God's authority, and how can we guard against them in our own lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 10
The deaths of Nadab and Abihu, who offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, parallel the fate of Korah's followers, emphasizing the seriousness of approaching God improperly.

Hebrews 12
This passage speaks to the holiness and reverence required in worship, echoing the lessons learned from the rebellion of Korah.

1 Corinthians 10
Paul references the events of the Old Testament, including the rebellion of Korah, as examples and warnings for believers to avoid similar pitfalls.