Numbers 16:40

following the instructions given to him from the Lord through Moses. This was to remind the Israelites that no one who is not a descendant of Aaron should come and offer incense before the Lord, otherwise they could end up like Korah and those with him.

Free Bible Version

In The King James Version

To be a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses.

In Context

39So Eleazar the priest collected the bronze incense burners used by those who had been burned up, and had them hammered out as a covering for the altar,

41The next day all the Israelites complained to Moses and Aaron, saying, “You have killed the Lord's people!”

Read all of Numbers 16

Cross References

Exodus 30:7Aaron is to burn fragrant incense on the altar every morning when he takes care of the lamps.

Numbers 1:51When it's time to move the Tabernacle, the Levites shall take it down, and when it's time to make camp, the Levites shall put it up. Any outsider who goes near it must be put to death.

Numbers 3:38The camp of Moses, Aaron, and Aaron's sons was to the east of the Tabernacle, in the direction of the sunrise, in front of the Tent of Meeting. They were responsible for the sanctuary on behalf of the Israelites. Anyone else who tried to act as a priest was to be executed.

1 Kings 13:1The Lord ordered a man of God from Judah to go to Bethel. He arrived just as Jeroboam was standing beside the altar about to present a burnt offering.

Psalms 115:10Descendants of Aaron, trust in the Lord! He is the one who helps you and protects you.

Matthew Henry on Numbers 16:36-41

35 And there came out a fire from the Lord , and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense. 36 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 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. 38 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… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Numbers 16:40