Numbers 16:37
Speak unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, that he take up the censers out of the burning, and scatter thou the fire yonder; for they are hallowed.
Original Language Analysis
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הַכֹּהֵ֗ן
the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֗ן
the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
6 of 17
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
וְיָרֵ֤ם
that he take up
H7311
וְיָרֵ֤ם
that he take up
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
7 of 17
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִבֵּ֣ין
out
H996
מִבֵּ֣ין
out
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
10 of 17
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
זְרֵה
and scatter
H2219
זְרֵה
and scatter
Strong's:
H2219
Word #:
14 of 17
to toss about; by implication, to diffuse, winnow
הָ֑לְאָה
yonder
H1973
הָ֑לְאָה
yonder
Strong's:
H1973
Word #:
15 of 17
to the distance, i.e., far away; also (of time) thus far
Historical Context
Eleazar would later assist in the second census (Numbers 26), the division of Canaan (Joshua 14:1), and succeed Aaron as high priest. His faithful service here—handling the censers of judgment—prepared him for high priestly responsibilities. The brazen censers would become altar plating, a permanent reminder visible during every sacrifice.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Eleazar's faithful handling of judgment's aftermath model servant leadership for future generations?
- What does the principle that objects offered to God become permanently holy teach about consecration and reverence?
- In what ways should churches memorialize both God's judgment and grace for future generations?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Speak unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest—significantly, God commands not Aaron himself but his son to retrieve the censers. Eleazar's involvement foreshadows his succession to the high priesthood (20:28) and demonstrates that priesthood continues through generations. The phrase "take up the censers out of the burning" required approaching still-smoldering remains of divine judgment—a task requiring both courage and holiness.
"For they are hallowed" (qadash, קָדַשׁ)—the censers became holy not through the sinners' worthiness but through being offered before Yahweh. This reveals a profound principle: objects consecrated to God cannot return to common use, even when offered by rebels. God's holiness is contagious in ways both gracious and dangerous.