Censors Numbers 16 Part 2

Numbers 16:35 "And there came out a fire from the Lord, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense."

Korah and his inner circle had also brought 250 men, princes of the tribes of Israel, to stand against Moses. These men carried censors with fire burning. It was a mistake for them to take a hallowed object and represent themselves as representatives of the Lord. For in verse 38 they are called sinners: "The censers of these sinners against their own souls, let them make them broad plates for a covering of the altar: for they offered them before the Lord, therefore they are hallowed: and they shall be a sign unto the children of Israel.

So the fire from the censors was spread as the Lord commanded and the metal beaten into plates to cover the altar.

We see the dangerous practice all the time in our day. People using the scripture to further their own goals. We all know that scripture taken out of context can be understood to mean different things to those who do not study the Bible. Also, positions are used in the name of the Lord to take in money from people. Lead to believe they are doing something for the Lord people send money to crooked organizations. Misuse of God's word and even people dedicated to the Lord will be judged.

It seems in this chapter the people are in a state of rebellion. Korah has spread his poison and the people are displeased with Moses and Aaron. But as the balance of the chapter shows Moses is still trying to stand between the people and the anger they have caused the Lord to show.

A plague hits the people in v46 and Moses instructs Aaron to take a censor and stand among the people between the dead and the living v48.

"And Aaron took as Moses commanded and ran into the midst of the congregation, and behold the plague was begun among the people and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people. "

Verse 49 tells us that 14,700 died besides those ..."about the matter of Korah."

The Lord has heard a lot of murmuring from the people. They do not yet see themselves as at fault for the wilderness wanderings. No one can receive help until they see the need for help. Just as a sinner must see that they need saving before they will reach out to the Savior.

Proverbs 10: 29 "The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity."

keyword: Bible study