Numbers 16:35 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

There came out a fire from the Lord— After this stupendous destruction of Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and all that belonged to them, the two hundred and fifty princes convened under Korah at the tabernacle, and assuming the priests' office with their censers, were struck dead in an instant by lightning from the cloud of glory, like Nadab and Abihu. See Leviticus 2:4. Moses and Aaron, who stood near them, received no hurt. Numbers 16:37-38. Speak unto Eleazar, &c.] As the censers had been offered to the Lord, and so were separated from every common use, (see Mede's works, book 1: disc. 2 p. 18.) he orders, first, that the incense, or holy fire, which was still burning in them, should be thrown out at some distance from the tabernacle, probably into that place where they used to throw the ashes; Leviticus 6:11 and then, that the censers themselves should be beaten into broad plates, and laid over the great brazen altar which was always in view of the people, and, consequently, where they would have these plates as a sign always before them, to perpetuate the memory of this rebellion, (Numbers 16:40.) and warn others from the like.