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, Exodus 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.
Related Commentaries of Numbers 16:38
Numbers 16:38
38 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.