Numbers 16:38

“The censers of these sinners against their own souls, etc.] Who by burning incense in them sinned, and by sinning hurt and ruined their souls: let them make them broad plates [for] a covering of the altar; the altar of burnt offering, which, though it had a covering of brass, another made of these were to be over it, for the further security of it, being of from the fire continually burning on it; these censers were to be beaten into broad plates, by the workmen who understood how to do it: for they offered them before the Lord, therefore they are hallowed; they offered them in his presence, they burned incense in them, and to him, though it was not their business, but the business of the…”

“These sinners against their own souls - That is, “against their own lives.” By their sin they had brought destruction upon themselves. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Their own souls - That is, their own lives: who were the authors of their own destruction. The altar - Of burnt - offerings, which was made of wood, but covered with brass before this time, Exo 27:1-2, to which this other covering was added for farther ornament, and security against the fire, continually burning upon it. A sign - A warning to all strangers to take heed of invading the priesthood. Numbers 16:40”

“16:38-40 The bronze sheet made by Eleazar to cover the altar replaced or supplemented the one made previously (Exod 38:2). Like the simple blue tassels of Num 15:37-41, it reminded the people of Israel of their need to obey God.”

“sinners: Kg1 2:23; Pro 1:18, Pro 8:36, Pro 20:2; Hab 2:10 a sign: Num 16:40, Num 17:10, Num 26:10; Eze 14:8; Co1 10:11; Pe2 2:6 Numbers 16:40”