Contradiction with Exodus 20:25
Contradicts by prohibiting the use of tools to shape altar stones, while Numbers 16:38 involves repurposing censers to cover the altar.
Exodus 20:25: And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it. [build...: Heb. build them with hewing]
Contradiction with Leviticus 10:1-2
Contradicts by showing punishment for unauthorized fire offerings, but Numbers 16:38 uses censers sanctioned after rebellion.
Leviticus 10:1-2: And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.
Contradiction with Numbers 18:7
Contradicts with the exclusive priestly duties on the altar, whereas in Numbers 16:38, the censers were handled by those outside the authorized priesthood.
Numbers 18:7: Therefore thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priest's office for every thing of the altar, and within the vail; and ye shall serve: I have given your priest's office [unto you] as a service of gift: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
Paradox #1
This verse might seem to show a contradiction in terms of how God deals with rebellion versus how objects associated with that rebellion are treated. While people are punished for their defiance, the bronze censers used in the rebellion are made holy and repurposed. It might seem inconsistent that items involved in wrongdoing are turned into holy objects, while the people face severe consequences.