Matthew Poole and continuators on Numbers 16:37

37 Speak unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, that he take up the censers out of the burning , and scatter thou the fire yonder , for they are hallowed .

Rather than to Aaron, partly because the troublesome part of the work was more proper for him, and partly least Aaron should be polluted by going amongst those dead carcases; for it is probable this fire consumed them, as lightning sometimes doth others, by taking away their lives, and leaving their bodies dead upon the place.

(i. e.) From among the dead bodies of those men who were burnt. Burning put for those who are burnt, as captivity for the captives, Numb 21. 1. and poverty for the poor, 2 King. 24. 14.

(i. e.) The cinders or ashes which are left in or near their censers.

(i. e.) Far from the altar and sanctuary into an unclean place, where the ashes were wont to be [illegible: 1+ letters]ast: by which God shews his rejection of their services.

Either 1. by Gods appointment, because they were presented before the Lord by his express order, ver. 16, 17. Or 2. by Go[illegible: 1+ letters] ▪ j[illegible: 1+ letters]st judgment, because they together with the persons that used them were accursed and devoted by God, and therefore were the Lords and to be imployed in any profane or common use, as appears from Lev. 27. 28. But the first reason is the chief and is rendred by God himself, ver. 38.