Numbers 16:38

As for the censers of those who sinned at the cost of their own lives, hammer them into sheets to overlay the altar, for these were presented before the LORD, and so have become holy. They will serve as a sign to the Israelites."

Study Bible

As for the censers of those who sinned at the cost of their own lives
This phrase refers to the censers used by Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and their followers in their rebellion against Moses and Aaron. The rebellion is detailed in Numbers 16, where these men challenged the God-ordained leadership. Their sin was not just against Moses and Aaron but against God Himself, resulting in their death as divine judgment. The phrase "at the cost of their own lives" underscores the severity of their rebellion and the holiness of God, who does not tolerate insubordination against His established order.

hammer them into sheets to overlay the altar
The censers, made of bronze, were to be hammered into sheets to overlay the altar. This act served a dual purpose: it was a practical use of the metal and a symbolic act of redemption. The altar, central to Israelite worship, was a place of sacrifice and atonement. By overlaying it with the censers, the Israelites were reminded of the consequences of rebellion and the need for atonement. This transformation from instruments of sin to a covering for the altar signifies God's ability to redeem and repurpose even the results of sin for His glory.

for these were presented before the LORD, and so have become holy
The censers, though used in rebellion, were presented before the LORD, which consecrated them. In biblical terms, anything presented to God becomes holy, set apart for His purposes. This reflects the principle that God can sanctify what is offered to Him, even if initially used in sin. The holiness of the censers after being presented to God serves as a reminder of His sovereignty and the sanctity of worship.

They will serve as a sign to the Israelites.
The transformed censers were to serve as a perpetual sign to the Israelites. This sign was a warning against rebellion and a reminder of the consequences of challenging God's appointed leaders. It also pointed to the importance of obedience and reverence in worship. In a broader biblical context, signs often serve to remind God's people of His laws and covenants, as seen with the rainbow in Genesis 9:13 and the Passover in Exodus 12:13. This sign, like others, was meant to instruct and guide the Israelites in their relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Korah, Dathan, and Abiram
Leaders of a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, challenging their God-given authority.

2. Moses and Aaron
God's appointed leaders of Israel, who intercede for the people and execute God's judgment.

3. The Rebellion
A significant event where Korah and his followers questioned the leadership and priesthood established by God.

4. The Censers
Bronze incense holders used by the rebellious men, which were later repurposed to cover the altar.

5. The Altar
A sacred place of sacrifice and worship, now overlaid with the censers as a reminder of the consequences of rebellion.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Rebellion
Rebellion against God's appointed leaders is ultimately rebellion against God Himself. The account of Korah serves as a warning to respect God's established order.

The Holiness of God
The censers, though used in rebellion, became holy because they were presented before the Lord. This underscores the transformative power of God's holiness.

Memorials of Sin and Grace
The censers were repurposed as a covering for the altar, serving as a perpetual reminder of the cost of sin and the grace of God in providing a means of atonement.

The Importance of Obedience
Obedience to God's commands is crucial. The fate of Korah and his followers illustrates the severe consequences of disobedience.

Intercession and Leadership
Moses and Aaron's roles highlight the importance of godly leadership and intercession for the people, pointing to Christ as our ultimate intercessor.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Korah's rebellion challenge us to examine our attitudes towards authority and leadership within the church?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our worship is pleasing to God and not rooted in self-will or rebellion?

3. How does the transformation of the censers into a covering for the altar illustrate God's ability to redeem and repurpose even the consequences of sin?

4. What lessons can we learn from Moses and Aaron's response to the rebellion about the role of intercession and leadership in times of conflict?

5. How can the account of Korah's rebellion and its consequences inform our understanding of the importance of obedience in our daily walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 10
The account of Nadab and Abihu, who also faced consequences for offering unauthorized fire before the Lord, highlighting the importance of obedience in worship.

Hebrews 12
Discusses the discipline of the Lord and the importance of respecting His established order, drawing a parallel to the consequences faced by Korah and his followers.

1 Samuel 15
The account of Saul's disobedience, emphasizing that obedience is better than sacrifice, similar to the lesson learned from Korah's rebellion.