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Numbers 16:38

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
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.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

Take the censers (incense burners) of these men who sinned and brought destruction on themselves, and hammer them into broad metal plates to cover the altar. Since they were offered before the LORD, they are now holy and set apart. These plates will serve as a warning sign for the people of Israel.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

God is commanding that the censers used in the rebellion be turned into a covering for the altar as a permanent reminder to Israel of what happens when people rebel against His authority.

📚 Historical Context

This verse comes after Korah's rebellion, where 250 men joined Korah in challenging Moses' and Aaron's God-given authority by offering unauthorized incense. God destroyed the rebels by fire and earthquake. The bronze censers they used, though owned by sinful men, became holy because they were brought before the LORD's presence.

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