Background:
The account of Moses' response and the test of censers is found in the Book of Numbers, specifically in chapter 16. This narrative details a significant rebellion against Moses and Aaron, led by Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and 250 leaders of the Israelite community. These men challenged the leadership and priestly authority established by God, asserting that the entire congregation was holy and questioning why Moses and Aaron set themselves above the assembly.

Moses' Response:
Upon hearing the challenge, Moses fell facedown, a gesture of humility and intercession before God (Numbers 16:4). He proposed a test to determine whom the LORD had chosen as holy and authorized to serve as priests. Moses instructed Korah and his followers to take censers, put fire and incense in them, and present them before the LORD the following day. The man whom the LORD chose would be the holy one (Numbers 16:5-7).

Moses further addressed Korah and his followers, reminding them of the special role they already had as Levites, set apart to serve in the tabernacle. He questioned why they sought the priesthood as well, implying that their rebellion was not merely against Aaron but against the LORD Himself (Numbers 16:8-11).

The Test of Censers:
The next day, Korah, along with the 250 men, stood with their censers at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. The glory of the LORD appeared to the entire assembly, and God instructed Moses and Aaron to separate themselves from the congregation so that He might consume them in an instant. However, Moses and Aaron interceded, pleading with God not to punish the entire assembly for the sin of one man (Numbers 16:18-22).

God then commanded Moses to instruct the assembly to move away from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. Moses warned the people that if these men died a natural death, then the LORD had not sent him. However, if the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them alive, it would be a sign that these men had treated the LORD with contempt (Numbers 16:23-30).

As soon as Moses finished speaking, the ground beneath them split open, and the earth swallowed them and their households, along with all their possessions. The 250 men offering incense were consumed by fire from the LORD (Numbers 16:31-35).

Significance:
This event underscored the seriousness of rebellion against God's appointed leaders and the sanctity of the priesthood. It served as a divine affirmation of Moses and Aaron's leadership and a warning against presumption and disobedience. The censers of the 250 men were later hammered into a covering for the altar, serving as a reminder to the Israelites that only the descendants of Aaron were to offer incense before the LORD (Numbers 16:36-40).