Leviticus 10:13

KJV

And ye shall eat it in the holy place, because it [is] thy due, and thy sons' due, of the sacrifices of the LORD made by fire: for so I am commanded.

KJV (with Strong's)

And ye shall eat {H398} it in the holy {H6918} place {H4725}, because it is thy due {H2706}, and thy sons {H1121}' due {H2706}, of the sacrifices {H801} of the LORD {H3068} made by fire {H801}: for so I am commanded {H6680}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Eat it in a holy place, because it is your and your sons' share of the offerings for ADONAI made by fire; for this is what I have been ordered.

Berean Standard Bible

You shall eat it in a holy place, because it is your share and your sons’ share of the offerings made by fire to the LORD; for this is what I have been commanded.

American Standard Version

and ye shall eat it in a holy place, because it is thy portion, and thy sons’ portion, of the offerings of Jehovah made by fire: for so I am commanded.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 10:13 provides specific divine instructions to Aaron and his surviving sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, concerning their priestly portions from the offerings. Following the tragic judgment upon Nadab and Abihu, this verse underscores the sacred obligation to consume designated parts of the sin and grain offerings within the Tabernacle's holy precincts. It highlights God's unwavering provision for His consecrated servants, while simultaneously reinforcing the absolute necessity of meticulous obedience to His commands regarding worship and the handling of holy things, establishing these entitlements as non-negotiable divine statutes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 10:13 is situated within a profoundly solemn and pivotal chapter that immediately follows the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, as detailed in [Leviticus 8-9](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8-9 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons"). The chapter opens with the shocking account of Nadab and Abihu, Aaron’s two eldest sons, who offered "strange fire" before the LORD and were instantly consumed by divine fire, as recorded in [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1-2 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Unauthorized Fire"). In the immediate aftermath of this severe judgment, Moses relays God's precise commands to Aaron and his remaining sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, concerning their priestly duties, mourning protocols, and entitlements from the sacrifices. This verse, along with [Leviticus 10:12](/leviticus/10-12 "Leviticus 10:12 - Priestly Portions of Offerings"), ensures that despite the tragedy, the priestly service and the sacred order of the Tabernacle continue according to God's exact specifications, reinforcing the absolute necessity of strict adherence to divine law in all matters of worship and holiness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions in Leviticus 10:13 are given at a critical juncture in Israel's history: the nascent stages of their theocratic governance and the establishment of the Tabernacle cult. The people had recently been delivered from slavery in Egypt and were learning how to relate to a holy God who dwelt in their midst. The detailed regulations for sacrifices and priestly conduct were foundational to maintaining the covenant relationship. In the ancient Near East, priests often received portions of offerings for their sustenance, but Israel's system was unique in its divine origin and the stringent purity requirements. The Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary, served as the central place of worship and God's dwelling among His people. The consumption of sacred food within its consecrated areas was a common practice in ancient cults, but for Israel, it carried profound theological weight, signifying communion with God and the maintenance of ritual purity. The tragic incident of Nadab and Abihu underscores the stark reality that God's holiness demanded absolute obedience, differentiating Israel's worship from the often syncretistic and less demanding practices of surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 10:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the **Holiness of God** and the absolute necessity of approaching Him on His terms, as dramatically illustrated by the immediate context of Nadab and Abihu's judgment in [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1-2 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Unauthorized Fire"). This verse also highlights the theme of **Divine Provision** for those consecrated to God's service, ensuring the priests' sustenance so they could devote themselves fully to their sacred duties, a principle echoed in [Numbers 18:8-11](/numbers/18-8-11 "Numbers 18:8-11 - Priestly Portions and Offerings"). Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **Obedience to Divine Command**, emphasizing that all aspects of worship and ritual must conform precisely to God's revealed will, leaving no room for human innovation or presumption. Finally, the instruction to eat "in the holy place" underscores the **Distinction Between the Sacred and the Profane**, a foundational concept throughout [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - The Book of Holiness"), demanding that holy things be handled and consumed in consecrated spaces by consecrated persons.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **eat (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** From the primitive root H398, meaning "to eat (literally or figuratively)." In this context, it refers to the literal consumption of the physical portions of the sacrifices. The command to "eat" emphasizes the tangible nature of the priests' provision and their participation in the sacrificial system. It was not merely a symbolic act but a real means of sustenance, underscoring God's practical care for His ministers.
* **due (Hebrew, _chôq'_):** From H2706, meaning "an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage); appointed, bound, commandment, convenient, custom, decree(-d), due, law, measure, portion, set time, statute, task." This term signifies that the priests' entitlement to these sacrificial portions was a divinely established and unalterable right, a fixed statute. It was God's decree, not a matter of human discretion or charity, ensuring their livelihood as they served Him.
* **commanded (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** From H6680, meaning "(intensively) to constitute, enjoin; appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order." This word, spoken by Moses, emphasizes the absolute divine authority behind these instructions. It highlights that the commands regarding the priestly portions were direct mandates from the LORD, not human suggestions, reinforcing the imperative for precise and unquestioning obedience, especially in the wake of Nadab and Abihu's transgression.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall eat it in the holy place,"**: This is a direct, imperative command to Aaron and his surviving sons, Eleazar and Ithamar. "It" refers to the remaining portions of the sin offering and the grain offering that were not burned on the altar, as specified in the preceding verse ([Leviticus 10:12](/leviticus/10-12 "Leviticus 10:12 - Eating the Remainder of the Offerings")). The consumption of these holy portions was restricted to the consecrated area of the Tabernacle courtyard, emphasizing the sacred nature of the food and the ritual purity required of those who partook of it. This ensured that holy things were handled with the utmost reverence and within the divinely prescribed boundaries.
* **"because it [is] thy due, and thy sons' due, of the sacrifices of the LORD made by fire:"**: This clause provides the divine rationale for the command. The portions were not merely a customary allowance but a divinely established right (_chôq_) for Aaron and his priestly lineage. These "sacrifices of the LORD made by fire" refer to offerings where a part was consumed by fire on the altar, with the remainder designated for priestly sustenance. This highlights God's faithful provision for those consecrated to His service, ensuring their livelihood as they ministered before Him, thereby freeing them from secular labor.
* **"for so I am commanded."**: This concluding phrase is spoken by Moses, serving as God's mediator. It underscores the absolute divine authority behind these instructions. Moses is not offering human suggestions or interpretations but is relaying a direct, non-negotiable mandate from the LORD. This reiterates the supremacy of God's law and the imperative for absolute obedience, especially in light of the recent judgment upon Nadab and Abihu for their unauthorized actions, emphasizing that all aspects of worship must conform precisely to God's revealed will.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 10:13 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Command/Instruction**, as the entire verse is a direct imperative from God, relayed through Moses, dictating the precise manner and location for the consumption of holy offerings. This emphasizes the prescriptive nature of the Mosaic Law and the non-negotiable character of divine requirements for worship. There is also an element of **Repetition and Emphasis** in the phrase "thy due, and thy sons' due," which underscores the established, generational nature of the priestly entitlement, reinforcing that this provision is a permanent divine ordinance. Furthermore, an implicit **Contrast** is at play: the meticulous detail and strictness of this command stand in stark opposition to the unauthorized and presumptuous actions of Nadab and Abihu, whose fate serves as a powerful backdrop, highlighting the severe consequences of disobedience and the absolute necessity of adhering to God's precise instructions for handling holy things.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 10:13 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous care for His consecrated servants and the paramount importance of holiness in worship. It reveals a God who not only establishes a system of atonement and communion but also faithfully provides for those who mediate it. The "due" for the priests underscores the principle that those who minister in sacred things are entitled to sustenance from the very offerings they facilitate, ensuring their dedication to service without worldly distraction. Moreover, the command to eat "in the holy place" reinforces the pervasive theme of holiness, demanding that even the consumption of food, when it pertains to sacred offerings, must occur within consecrated boundaries and with ritual purity, reflecting the awe and reverence due to a holy God. This verse, therefore, speaks to divine provision, the sanctity of priestly office, and the absolute necessity of obedience in all aspects of approaching God.

* [Numbers 18:8-11](/numbers/18-8-11 "Numbers 18:8-11 - Priestly Portions and Offerings")
* [Deuteronomy 18:1-5](/deuteronomy/18-1-5 "Deuteronomy 18:1-5 - The Priests' Inheritance and Dues")
* [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1-corinthians/9-13-14 "1 Corinthians 9:13-14 - Support for Gospel Ministers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 10:13, while rooted in the ancient Tabernacle system, offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. Firstly, it reminds us of God's unwavering commitment to provide for those who faithfully serve Him. Just as the Old Testament priests were sustained by divine decree, so too does God care for His people in various forms, whether through physical provision, spiritual nourishment, or the support of the community. This should inspire trust and confidence in His faithfulness. Secondly, the emphasis on consuming "in the holy place" and the concept of "due" underscores the sacredness of our engagement with God. It calls us to approach worship, communion, and service with reverence, intentionality, and purity, recognizing that we are dealing with holy things. Our lives, as temples of the Holy Spirit, are to be consecrated spaces where our spiritual "food" (God's Word, prayer, fellowship) is consumed with due respect and gratitude. Finally, the stark context of Nadab and Abihu's judgment serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of obedience to God's revealed will. Our service and worship must align with His commands, not our own preferences or innovations, ensuring that our devotion is both sincere and biblically sound.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I recognize God's provision for my life and service, and how does this verse encourage me to trust Him more fully?**
* **How does the concept of "holy place" and the sacredness of the priests' "due" inform my approach to worship and my personal walk with God today?**
* **Considering the context of Nadab and Abihu, what areas of my life or service might need greater alignment with God's specific commands, rather than my own assumptions or desires?**

### FAQ
**What does "holy place" refer to in Leviticus 10:13?**

Answer: In Leviticus 10:13, "holy place" (Hebrew: _maqom qadosh_) refers to the consecrated area of the Tabernacle complex, specifically the outer courtyard where the altar of burnt offering was located and where the priests performed many of their duties. It does not refer to the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies), which only the high priest could enter once a year, as described in [Leviticus 16:2](/leviticus/16-2 "Leviticus 16:2 - The Day of Atonement"). The instruction to eat the holy portions in this designated area emphasized the sacredness of the food and the ritual purity required of the priests, ensuring that all aspects of handling God's offerings were conducted within divinely prescribed boundaries.

**What kind of "sacrifices of the LORD made by fire" are being referred to here?**

Answer: The "sacrifices of the LORD made by fire" (Hebrew: _ishshâh_) in this verse primarily refer to the portions of the sin offering and the grain offering (often translated as "meat offering" in the KJV) that were designated for the priests. [Leviticus 10:12](/leviticus/10-12 "Leviticus 10:12 - Priestly Portions of Offerings") specifies that these are the "sin offering" and the "meat offering" (grain offering). While parts of these offerings were burned on the altar as a "fire offering" to the LORD, other specific portions were allotted to the priests for their sustenance, as their "due." This system ensured that the priests, who had no tribal land inheritance, were provided for through their sacred service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 10:13, with its emphasis on priestly provision and the consumption of holy portions, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. The "due" for the Old Testament priests foreshadows the spiritual sustenance and eternal inheritance that believers receive through Christ's perfect sacrifice. Unlike the Levitical priests who ate physical portions in a temporal "holy place," believers in Christ partake of spiritual realities in a new covenant. Jesus Himself is the ultimate "sacrifice of the LORD made by fire," not in the sense of being consumed by literal fire, but in His complete offering of Himself on the cross, a fragrant aroma to God, as described in [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love"). He is also the true bread from heaven, the spiritual food that gives life to the world, as He declared in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"). Through faith in Him, we are granted access to the true "holy place"—God's presence—not a physical tabernacle, but the heavenly sanctuary where Christ ministers on our behalf, as explained in [Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Superior Priesthood and Sacrifice"). We are now a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1-peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), nourished by the spiritual provisions of His grace, and called to live lives of holiness, not by ritualistic eating, but by abiding in Him and partaking of His life, which is our true and eternal "due."

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 2:3

And the remnant of the meat offering [shall be] Aaron's and his sons': [it is] a thing most holy of the offerings of the LORD made by fire.

Leviticus 6:16

And the remainder thereof shall Aaron and his sons eat: with unleavened bread shall it be eaten in the holy place; in the court of the tabernacle of the congregation they shall eat it.

Numbers 18:10

In the most holy [place] shalt thou eat it; every male shall eat it: it shall be holy unto thee.