Numbers 16:39
And Eleazar the priest took the brasen censers, wherewith they that were burnt had offered; and they were made broad plates for a covering of the altar:
Original Language Analysis
הַכֹּהֵ֗ן
the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֗ן
the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
3 of 12
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
אֵ֚ת
H853
אֵ֚ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַנְּחֹ֔שֶׁת
the brasen
H5178
הַנְּחֹ֔שֶׁת
the brasen
Strong's:
H5178
Word #:
6 of 12
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הִקְרִ֖יבוּ
had offered
H7126
הִקְרִ֖יבוּ
had offered
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
8 of 12
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
הַשְּׂרֻפִ֑ים
wherewith they that were burnt
H8313
הַשְּׂרֻפִ֑ים
wherewith they that were burnt
Strong's:
H8313
Word #:
9 of 12
to be (causatively, set) on fire
וַֽיְרַקְּע֖וּם
and they were made broad
H7554
וַֽיְרַקְּע֖וּם
and they were made broad
Strong's:
H7554
Word #:
10 of 12
to pound the earth (as a sign of passion); by analogy to expand (by hammering); by implication, to overlay (with thin sheets of metal)
Historical Context
Bronze (actually copper alloy) was the material for the sacrificial altar itself (Exodus 27:1-2). Adding the rebels' censers to this altar created a layered memorial—every sacrifice reminded Israel that unauthorized worship leads to death, while authorized priesthood mediates life. The altar became a visual catechism of Levitical order.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the physical transformation of rebellion's instruments into worship fixtures illustrate redemptive repurposing?
- What does Eleazar's handling of judgment's aftermath teach about spiritual leadership's difficult responsibilities?
- In what ways do memorials of past judgment strengthen or weaken contemporary faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
"Eleazar the priest took the brasen censers"—the verb laqach (לָקַח, to take) emphasizes deliberate action. Eleazar physically gathered these instruments of judgment, showing priestly responsibility extends to handling the aftermath of divine discipline. "Wherewith they that were burnt had offered" indicates the censers survived the fire that consumed their bearers—a testimony to God's discriminating judgment that destroys sinners but preserves warnings.
The phrase "they were made broad plates for a covering of the altar" (literally "beaten out," raqa', רָקַע) describes hammering the censers into thin sheets. This violent transformation—beating rebellion's tools into worship's fixtures—parallels the prophetic vision of swords beaten into plowshares (Isaiah 2:4).