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Numbers 17:4 - Divine warning through sacred metal

Numbers 17:4 - במדבר 17:4

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקַּח אֶלְעָזָר הַכֹּהֵן אֵת מַחְתּוֹת הַנְּחֹשֶׁת אֲשֶׁר הִקְרִיבוּ הַשְּׂרֻפִים וַיְרַקְּעוּם צִפּוּי לַמִּזְבֵּחַ׃

English Translation

And El῾azar the priest took the brazen censers, wherewith they that were burnt had offered; and they made them into beaten plates for a covering of the altar:

Transliteration

Vayikach Elazar hakohen et machtot hanechoshet asher hikrivu haserufim vayrak'um tzipui lamizbe'ach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקַּ֞ח אֶלְעָזָ֣ר הַכֹּהֵ֗ן אֵ֚ת מַחְתּ֣וֹת הַנְּחֹ֔שֶׁת אֲשֶׁ֥ר הִקְרִ֖יבוּ הַשְּׂרֻפִ֑ים וַֽיְרַקְּע֖וּם צִפּ֥וּי לַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃
וַיִּקַּ֞ח אֶלְעָזָ֣ר הַכֹּהֵ֗ן אֵ֚ת מַחְתּ֣וֹת הַנְּחֹ֔שֶׁת אֲשֶׁ֥ר הִקְרִ֖יבוּ הַשְּׂרֻפִ֑ים וַֽיְרַקְּע֖וּם צִפּ֥וּי לַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bamidbar 17:4) describes the aftermath of the rebellion of Korach and his followers, where 250 men brought unauthorized incense offerings in copper fire-pans (מַחְתּוֹת הַנְּחֹשֶׁת). After they were consumed by fire, Elazar the Kohen was commanded to repurpose these fire-pans as a covering for the Mizbe'ach (altar).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 17:4) explains that the copper fire-pans were hammered into thin plates (צִפּוּי) to serve as a covering for the Mizbe'ach. This served as a public reminder and warning against unauthorized individuals attempting to serve as Kohanim. The covering acted as a visible deterrent, teaching that only those designated by Hashem may perform the Avodah (Temple service).

Symbolism and Purpose

  • Memorial for Future Generations: The Ramban (Bamidbar 17:4) emphasizes that the plating of the Mizbe'ach served as an eternal reminder of the severe consequences of challenging the Kehunah (priesthood).
  • Sanctity of the Mizbe'ach: The Midrash Tanchuma (Korach 12) notes that the copper covering added an additional layer of sanctity to the altar, as the fire-pans had been used—albeit improperly—for a sacred purpose.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Yoma 54a) derives from this episode that objects used for a mitzvah must be treated with respect even after their initial use. Since the fire-pans were originally intended for sacred service (albeit misused), they could not simply be discarded but were repurposed for a holy function—covering the Mizbe'ach.

Moral Lesson

The Kli Yakar (Bamidbar 17:4) teaches that the transformation of the fire-pans into a covering symbolizes that even the mistakes and rebellions of Bnei Yisrael can be rectified and elevated when redirected toward a holy purpose. The altar's covering thus became a testament to teshuvah and the enduring sanctity of the Mishkan.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 52b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the altar's covering and the materials used for it, highlighting the actions of Elazar the priest.
📖 Sanhedrin 52b
Mentioned in the context of discussing the fate of Korah's followers and the use of their censers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of Numbers 17:4?
A: Numbers 17:4 describes how Elazar the priest took the copper fire pans (censers) used by Korach and his followers, who were punished for rebelling against Moshe and Aharon. These pans were hammered into thin sheets and used as a covering for the altar. This served as a visible reminder of the consequences of challenging divinely appointed leadership (Rashi on Numbers 17:4).
Q: Why were Korach's fire pans used to cover the altar?
A: The pans were transformed into an altar covering to serve as a lasting warning against unauthorized service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The Ramban explains that this public display would remind people not to repeat Korach's mistake of challenging the priesthood, which was reserved for Aharon and his descendants (Ramban on Numbers 17:4).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 17:4 today?
A: This verse teaches us about the importance of respecting proper spiritual authority and the dangers of improper motivations in religious service. The Midrash Tanchuma (Korach 12) explains that Korach's rebellion stemmed from jealousy, and the copper covering serves as an eternal lesson about the consequences of such behavior.
Q: Why were the pans made into a covering specifically for the altar?
A: The altar represents service to Hashem, and covering it with these pans emphasized that only proper, authorized service is acceptable. The Talmud (Yoma 54a) notes that the altar's covering served as atonement, turning the instruments of rebellion into something holy that protected the altar.
Q: What does the copper covering symbolize?
A: The copper covering symbolizes both a warning and a transformation. The Kli Yakar explains that just as copper (nechoshet) can symbolize brazenness (chutzpah), here it was transformed into something that served a holy purpose, showing that even negative events can be elevated when we learn from them properly.