Numbers 16:6

KJV

This do; Take you censers, Korah, and all his company;

KJV (with Strong's)

This do {H6213}; Take {H3947} you censers {H4289}, Korah {H7141}, and all his company {H5712};

Complete Jewish Bible

Do this: take censers, Korach and all your group;

Berean Standard Bible

You, Korah, and all your followers are to do as follows: Take censers,

American Standard Version

This do: take you censers, Korah, and all his company;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 16:6 records Moses' decisive command to Korah and his rebellious faction, instructing them to prepare censers for an offering before the Lord. This directive initiates a divinely ordained test, designed to unequivocally reveal God's chosen priests and expose the audacious presumption of Korah and his 250 followers who challenged the divinely established authority of Moses and Aaron. It sets the stage for God's swift and dramatic judgment, underscoring the inviolable sanctity of His appointed order and the severe consequences of defying His sovereign will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 16:6 is a pivotal command within the unfolding drama of Korah's rebellion, which commences in [Numbers 16:1](/numbers/16-1 "Numbers 16:1 - Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Rebel"). Immediately preceding this verse, Korah, along with Dathan, Abiram, and 250 prominent leaders of the congregation, have mounted a direct challenge to Moses and Aaron's leadership, accusing them of exalting themselves above the assembly of the Lord. Moses' initial response, recorded in [Numbers 16:4-5](/numbers/16-4 "Numbers 16:4-5 - Moses Falls on His Face and Proposes a Test"), is to prostrate himself before God, then propose a definitive test: the rebels are to present themselves before the Lord with censers the following morning. Thus, [Numbers 16:6](/numbers/16-6 "Numbers 16:6 - Moses' Command to Korah") serves as the direct, imperative instruction that sets this divine trial in motion, specifically addressing Korah and his company and commanding them to perform an act that was exclusively reserved for the Aaronic priesthood. This command is not a concession but a strategic move by Moses, guided by God, to allow the Almighty Himself to vindicate His chosen servants and demonstrate the profound gravity of their attempted usurpation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Numbers 16 are set in the wilderness, during Israel's arduous journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. At this time, the Tabernacle stood as the central locus of Israelite worship, and its rituals were meticulously prescribed by divine law. The tribe of Levi, to which Korah belonged, was consecrated for service to the Tabernacle, but specific priestly duties, most notably the offering of incense and entry into the Most Holy Place, were strictly confined to Aaron and his direct descendants (cf. [Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - Aaron and His Sons Appointed to the Priesthood") and [Numbers 18:7](/numbers/18-7 "Numbers 18:7 - The Priestly Office is a Gift")). The act of offering incense was a profoundly sacred ritual, symbolizing prayer, purification, and the very presence of God. For anyone outside the divinely appointed Aaronic line to perform this rite constituted a direct violation of divine law and an act of profound sacrilege, punishable by death (cf. [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Unauthorized Fire")). Moses' command in [Numbers 16:6](/numbers/16-6 "Numbers 16:6 - Moses' Command to Korah") therefore challenged Korah and his company to directly confront this inviolable divine ordinance, knowing that God would respond decisively to such a challenge to His holiness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the **sanctity of divine authority and appointed leadership**. Korah's rebellion is fundamentally a challenge to God's chosen structure of governance and worship, not merely to Moses and Aaron as individuals. The command to take censers directly tests this divinely established order. Secondly, the passage underscores the **exclusivity and holiness of the Aaronic priesthood**. The instruction to take censers directly tests the boundaries of who is permitted to approach God in sacred service, emphasizing that access to God and priestly mediation are not matters of human preference or ambition but divine prerogative. This is a central theme throughout the Mosaic Law, as seen in passages like [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Priestly Garments and Consecration"). Thirdly, it sets the stage for **divine judgment and vindication**. Moses' instruction is a prelude to God's dramatic intervention, which serves to validate His covenant with Aaron's house and demonstrate the severe consequences of rebellion against His established order, as seen in the subsequent judgment in [Numbers 16:31-35](/numbers/16-31 "Numbers 16:31-35 - The Earth Swallows Korah and His Company"). Finally, the narrative powerfully illustrates the **danger of presumption and discontentment** with one's God-given role, contrasting Korah's grasping ambition with the humility required to serve God faithfully within His ordained boundaries, a lesson echoed in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Do (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** This primitive root (H6213) is a broad term meaning "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." In this context, it is an imperative, a direct command from Moses, acting as God's representative. It signifies a non-negotiable action that must be performed, initiating the divinely orchestrated test. The breadth of its meaning emphasizes that this is not merely a suggestion but a definitive act of obedience or defiance with far-reaching consequences.
* **Censers (Hebrew, _machtâh'_):** This noun (H4289) refers to a "fire pan" or "censer," a vessel specifically designed to carry live coals upon which incense would be placed for offering. In the Tabernacle service, these were sacred implements, integral to the holy ritual of incense offering, which was strictly reserved for the consecrated Aaronic priests. Moses' command for Korah and his company to take these censers was a direct challenge to their illegitimate claims of priestly authority, forcing them to perform an act that would either validate or condemn their presumption.
* **Company (Hebrew, _ʻêdâh'_):** This feminine noun (H5712) denotes a "stated assemblage," "concourse," or "crowd." While it can refer to the entire congregation of Israel, in this specific context, it refers to the "assembly" or "company" of 250 prominent men who had allied with Korah in his rebellion. These were not ordinary Israelites but "men of renown" (Numbers 16:2). Moses' explicit address to "Korah, and all his company" highlights the collective nature of the challenge to divine authority, emphasizing that the impending judgment was a direct consequence of their unified defiance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This do;":** This concise yet forceful imperative from Moses signifies a direct, immediate, and non-negotiable command. It conveys the solemnity and urgency of the impending test, indicating that Moses is acting as a conduit for God's will, setting in motion a public demonstration of divine authority. The brevity emphasizes the decisive nature of the confrontation.
* **"Take you censers,":** This is the core instruction, specifying the precise action required. The act of taking censers and preparing to offer incense was a holy ritual exclusively reserved for the Aaronic priesthood. By commanding Korah and his company to perform this act, Moses is setting up a direct confrontation with God's established law concerning the priesthood. It is a deliberate test designed to expose their illegitimate claims and sacrilegious presumption, forcing them to cross a divinely ordained boundary.
* **"Korah, and all his company;":** This clause explicitly identifies the specific recipients of Moses' command. It directly names Korah, the instigator and leader of the rebellion, and includes the 250 men who had aligned themselves with him. This public address underscores that the challenge is directed at the very individuals who dared to usurp priestly authority, making the impending divine judgment a direct consequence of their collective defiance and not an indiscriminate act.

#### Literary Devices
The command in [Numbers 16:6](/numbers/16-6 "Numbers 16:6 - Moses' Command to Korah") is rich with **Irony**. Moses, acting under divine instruction, commands the rebels to perform the very act that will prove their sin and lead to their destruction. Korah and his company believe they are asserting their right to the priesthood, but by taking the censers, they are unwittingly participating in a divinely orchestrated trap that will expose their presumption and result in severe judgment. This also functions as a **Divine Test**, where God Himself will provide undeniable, public proof of His chosen ones, leaving no room for human dispute or further argument. Furthermore, the verse employs **Foreshadowing**, as Moses' solemn command, coupled with the sacred and perilous nature of handling the censers for unauthorized individuals, subtly hints at the severe and supernatural consequences that are about to befall those who dare to defy God's established order. The very instruments meant for worship become tools of judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 16:6 profoundly illustrates the sanctity of God's appointed order and the grave danger of presuming upon divine authority. The command for Korah and his company to take censers highlights that access to God and the performance of sacred service are not matters of human ambition or democratic vote, but are strictly governed by divine decree. God is zealous for His holiness and will not tolerate unauthorized approaches to His presence or usurpation of roles He has specifically designated. This principle extends beyond the Old Testament priesthood, serving as a timeless warning against spiritual pride, discontentment with one's God-given calling, and any attempt to redefine or disregard the boundaries God has established for worship and leadership within His people. The passage emphasizes that true spiritual authority flows from God's sovereign choice and consecration, not from human self-appointment or popular acclaim.

* [Hebrews 5:4](/hebrews/5-4 "Hebrews 5:4 - No One Takes This Honor on Himself")
* [2 Samuel 6:6-7](/2_samuel/6-6-7 "2 Samuel 6:6-7 - Uzzah's Unauthorized Touch and Death")
* [Jude 1:11](/jude/1-11 "Jude 1:11 - Woe to Them Who Follow Korah's Rebellion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 16:6 offers timeless lessons for believers today, primarily concerning our posture towards God's established order and our own spiritual ambition. The story of Korah's rebellion serves as a stark reminder of the importance of humility, contentment with our God-given roles, and profound reverence for the sacred. In an age where authority is often questioned and individual autonomy is highly valued, this passage calls us to discern and respect legitimate spiritual leadership within the church, understanding that it is ultimately God who ordains and empowers. It challenges us to examine our hearts for any seeds of discontentment, envy, or a desire for positions not granted by God's call. Furthermore, it impresses upon us the seriousness of approaching God, whether in worship, service, or prayer. Our access to Him is a privilege, not a right to be presumed upon, and should always be met with awe, obedience, and a deep understanding of His holiness, recognizing the immense cost of our redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we discern and respect legitimate spiritual authority in our lives and in the church today, without blindly submitting to unbiblical leadership?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to "presume" upon God's grace or holiness, perhaps by taking our worship or service lightly, or by neglecting the means of grace He has provided?**
* **What are the dangers of spiritual ambition or discontentment with the specific gifts and roles God has given us within the body of Christ, and how can we cultivate a spirit of humble service?**

### FAQ

**Why did Moses command Korah and his company to take censers, knowing it was forbidden for them?**

Answer: Moses commanded Korah and his company to take censers as a direct, divinely orchestrated test, not as an invitation to legitimately perform priestly duties. The offering of incense was an act reserved exclusively for the Aaronic priesthood, symbolizing a sacred approach to God's presence and atonement. By instructing the rebels to perform this very act, Moses was setting up a clear demonstration of who God had truly chosen and consecrated for this sacred office. It was a challenge that would force God to intervene and unequivocally reveal His will, thereby exposing the illegitimacy and audacity of Korah's claims and the severity of their sacrilege. This public display would leave no doubt as to the divine appointment of Aaron and the severe consequences of usurping sacred authority, as seen in the subsequent divine judgment in [Numbers 16:31-35](/numbers/16-31 "Numbers 16:31-35 - The Earth Swallows Korah and His Company").

**What was the significance of offering incense in the Tabernacle service?**

Answer: The offering of incense was a highly significant and sacred ritual in the Tabernacle service, laden with theological meaning. It involved burning specially prepared incense on coals in a censer, creating a fragrant smoke that ascended before the Lord. Theologically, it symbolized the prayers of the saints rising to God (cf. [Psalm 141:2](/psalms/141-2 "Psalm 141:2 - Incense as Prayer") and [Revelation 8:3-4](/revelation/8-3 "Revelation 8:3-4 - Incense with the Prayers of the Saints")). It was also an act of atonement and purification, performed by the High Priest on the Day of Atonement, covering the mercy seat. The meticulous regulations surrounding its preparation and offering underscored God's holiness, the necessity of approaching Him on His terms, and the importance of divinely appointed mediation. Its profound sacredness made Korah's attempt to offer it a direct act of sacrilege and rebellion against God's established order and His very nature.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The rebellion of Korah and the divine vindication of Aaron's priesthood in Numbers 16:6 powerfully foreshadow the ultimate and perfect High Priesthood of Jesus Christ. Just as Aaron was divinely appointed and his authority challenged by those who sought to usurp his role, so too was Christ chosen by God, yet rejected by many who preferred their own ways and means of approaching God. The Old Testament priesthood, with its strict regulations, the severe consequences for unauthorized access, and its repeated sacrifices, underscored humanity's inherent inability to approach a holy God on its own terms. It pointed to the desperate need for a perfect, divinely sanctioned mediator. Jesus, as our great High Priest, did not take this honor upon Himself but was appointed by God, declared to be a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek (cf. [Hebrews 5:4-6](/hebrews/5-4-6 "Hebrews 5:4-6 - Christ's Priesthood Appointed by God")). Unlike the Aaronic priests who were mortal and offered animal sacrifices that needed repetition, Christ offered Himself once for all, a perfect and eternal sacrifice that truly takes away sin (cf. [Hebrews 7:23-28](/hebrews/7-23-28 "Hebrews 7:23-28 - A Superior Priesthood")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, He has opened a new and living way for all believers to draw near to God with confidence (cf. [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place")). While Korah's company presumed upon a priesthood that was not theirs, Christ's finished work has made all believers a "royal priesthood" (cf. [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), not by self-appointment or human merit, but by grace through faith in Him, the one true way to the Father (cf. [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus the Only Way")). The judgment on Korah serves as a stark warning against rejecting God's chosen mediator, a warning that finds its ultimate and eternal fulfillment in the consequences of rejecting Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 10:1

¶ And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.

Leviticus 16:12

And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring [it] within the vail:

Leviticus 16:13

And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the LORD, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that [is] upon the testimony, that he die not:

Numbers 16:35

¶ And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.

Numbers 16:40

[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.

1 Kings 18:21

¶ And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD [be] God, follow him: but if Baal, [then] follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

1 Kings 18:23

Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay [it] on wood, and put no fire [under]: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay [it] on wood, and put no fire [under]: