Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, incense holds significant religious symbolism, often representing prayer and worship. However, the account of Korah and his company in the Book of Numbers illustrates a grave misuse of incense, leading to divine judgment.Background and Context The account of Korah's rebellion is found in Numbers 16. Korah, a Levite, along with Dathan, Abiram, and 250 leaders of the congregation, challenged the authority of Moses and Aaron. They accused Moses and Aaron of exalting themselves above the assembly of the LORD, questioning their leadership and the exclusive priestly role of Aaron. The Rebellion and the Offering of Incense Korah and his followers sought to democratize the priesthood, claiming that the entire congregation was holy. In response, Moses proposed a test to determine whom the LORD had chosen. Each man was to take his censer, put incense in it, and present it before the LORD. Numbers 16:17 states, "Each man is to take his censer, place incense in it, and present it before the LORD—250 censers in all. You and Aaron are to present your censers as well." Divine Judgment The LORD's response to this challenge was swift and severe. Moses warned the congregation to distance themselves from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. As the earth opened its mouth, it swallowed them and their households, along with all their possessions, as described in Numbers 16:32 : "And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, all Korah’s men and all their possessions." Furthermore, fire came out from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense (Numbers 16:35): "And fire came forth from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense." The Aftermath and Significance The censers of the men who perished were considered holy because they had been presented before the LORD. As a result, Eleazar the priest was instructed to hammer them into sheets to overlay the altar, serving as a reminder to the Israelites that only the descendants of Aaron were to burn incense before the LORD (Numbers 16:38-40). This event underscores the sanctity of the priestly office and the proper use of incense in worship. It serves as a cautionary tale against presumption and rebellion against divinely appointed leadership. The punishment of Korah and his company highlights the seriousness with which God regards His commands and the order He has established for worship. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 16:16-35And Moses said to Korah, Be you and all your company before the LORD, you, and they, and Aaron, to morrow: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices. The First Book Solomon's Temple Spiritualized Light for them that Sit in Darkness; Epistle Lxiii. Limenius, Bishop of Vercell??, Having Died, the See ... The Doctrine The Mystery The Desire of the Righteous Granted; Resources Who was King Uzziah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Dathan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What were the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place in the temple / tabernacle? | GotQuestions.org Incense: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Incense for God's Service Mixed With Sweet Spices Incense of an Acceptable Sacrifice Incense used in Idolatrous Worship Incense: An Article of Extensive Commerce Incense: Common, not to be offered to God Incense: Compounded by Bezaleel Incense: Designed for Atonement Incense: Formula for Compounding Incense: Korah and his Company Punished for offering Incense: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Incense: Levites had Charge of Incense: Nadab and Abihu Destroyed for offering, With Strange Fire Incense: None But Priest to offer Incense: Offered by Nadab and Abihu in an Unauthorized Manner Incense: Offered by the High Priest in the Most Holy Place on the Day of Incense: Offered in Idolatrous Worship Incense: Offered Morning and Evening Incense: Offered with Fire from off the Altar of Burnt offering Incense: Offered: Morning and Evening Incense: Offered: On the Altar of Gold Incense: Offering of, Allotted to the Priests Incense: Presented by the Wise Men to Jesus Incense: Presented to Christ by the Wise Men Incense: Put on Meat offerings Incense: Symbolical of the Prayers of Saints Incense: The Jews Prayed at Time of offering Incense: The Jews: Not Accepted in offering, on Account of Sin Incense: The Jews: Offered, to Idols on Altars of Brick Incense: The Jews: Punished for offering, to Idols Incense: Uzziah Punished for offering Related Terms Incense-burners (1 Occurrence) |
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