Leviticus 10:16

KJV

And Moses diligently sought the goat of the sin offering, and, behold, it was burnt: and he was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar, the sons of Aaron [which were] left [alive], saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} diligently {H1875} sought {H1875} the goat {H8163} of the sin offering {H2403}, and, behold, it was burnt {H8313}: and he was angry {H7107} with Eleazar {H499} and Ithamar {H385}, the sons {H1121} of Aaron {H175} which were left {H3498} alive, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Moshe carefully investigated what had happened to the goat of the sin offering and discovered that it had been burned up. He became angry with El'azar and Itamar, the remaining sons of Aharon, and asked,

Berean Standard Bible

Later, Moses searched carefully for the goat of the sin offering, and behold, it had been burned up. He was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s remaining sons, and asked,

American Standard Version

And Moses diligently sought the goat of the sin-offering, and, behold, it was burnt: and he was angry with Eleazar and with Ithamar, the sons of Aaron that were left, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 10:16 records Moses' meticulous investigation into the proper handling of the sin offering, immediately following the devastating divine judgment on Nadab and Abihu. His discovery that the designated goat had been entirely burnt—a direct violation of the specific instructions for this particular offering—ignites his righteous indignation toward Aaron's surviving sons, Eleazar and Ithamar. This incident powerfully underscores the non-negotiable demand for precise obedience in priestly service, highlighting the severe consequences of even seemingly minor deviations from God's holy commands, especially in the context of atonement and worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded in the somber narrative of [Leviticus 10](/leviticus/10 "Leviticus 10 - Priestly Conduct and Divine Judgment"), which opens with the shocking and immediate execution of divine judgment upon Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's elder sons, for offering "strange fire" before the Lord ([Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1-2 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - The Death of Nadab and Abihu")). This tragedy establishes an intensely solemn and urgent tone, unequivocally emphasizing God's absolute holiness and the non-negotiable nature of His commands regarding worship and priestly conduct. In its wake, Moses provides explicit instructions to Aaron and his remaining sons concerning mourning protocols and the continuation of their sacred duties ([Leviticus 10:3-11](/leviticus/10-3-11 "Leviticus 10:3-11 - Instructions for Priestly Conduct")). Crucially, Moses reiterates the specific regulations for consuming portions of the sin offering and burnt offering in a holy place, which were essential for the priests to "bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before the Lord" ([Leviticus 10:12-15](/leviticus/10-12-15 "Leviticus 10:12-15 - Priestly Portions and Atonement")). It is within this heightened atmosphere of recent divine judgment and renewed, precise instruction that Moses undertakes his diligent search for the sin offering goat, expecting perfect compliance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [Leviticus 10](/leviticus/10 "Leviticus 10 - Priestly Consecration and Holiness") unfold during the pivotal period of the Tabernacle's consecration and the inauguration of the Aaronic priesthood. This era marked Israel's formal establishment as a holy nation, set apart by God, with the Tabernacle serving as the central dwelling place of His presence. The elaborate sacrificial system was the divinely ordained means for Israel to approach a holy God, maintain covenant relationship, and achieve atonement for sin. As mediators, the priests bore immense responsibility for executing these rituals with meticulous precision, understanding that any deviation could profane God's holiness and invite judgment, as tragically demonstrated by Nadab and Abihu. The sin offering (Hebrew: _chaṭṭāʾt_) was particularly vital, designed to address unintentional sins and impurities, thereby cleansing both the people and the sanctuary. For sin offerings made on behalf of the priests themselves or the entire congregation, the flesh was typically to be eaten by the priests in a holy place within the Tabernacle, symbolizing their bearing the people's iniquity. Only in specific cases, where the blood was brought into the Holy Place, was the carcass to be burnt outside the camp ([Leviticus 6:26-30](/leviticus/6-26-30 "Leviticus 6:26-30 - Regulations for the Sin Offering")). The error of Eleazar and Ithamar, therefore, was not a minor oversight but a significant breach of a fundamental ritual, rendered even more poignant and serious by the recent, devastating demonstration of God's holy wrath.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 10:16 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing that God is utterly set apart and demands a corresponding holiness from His people, especially those who serve Him. This holiness dictates the meticulous nature of all worship and ritual. Closely related is the theme of **Obedience and Consequences**, as seen in both the immediate judgment on Nadab and Abihu and Moses' subsequent anger. It highlights that God's commands are not suggestions but non-negotiable directives, with severe repercussions for disobedience. The verse also underscores **Priestly Responsibility and Mediation**. Priests were divinely appointed mediators, bearing the immense weight of representing the people before God and God's holiness to the people. Their failure to adhere to precise instructions for the [sin offering](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - The Sin Offering") undermined their mediatorial role and the efficacy of the atonement process. Finally, the passage reinforces the theme of **Atonement and Cleansing**, demonstrating that proper ritual execution was essential for the sin offering to achieve its purpose of cleansing and restoring relationship with a holy God. The mishandling of the offering threatened to nullify its atoning power, leaving the people's iniquity unaddressed.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Diligently sought (Hebrew, דָּרַשׁ, _dârash'_):** The KJV phrase "diligent sought" translates a Hebrew infinitive absolute construction of the verb _dârash_ (H1875), which intensifies the action of seeking. It signifies a thorough, earnest, and persistent inquiry or investigation. Moses was not merely glancing but meticulously scrutinizing, reflecting his profound commitment to ensuring every detail of God's commands was fulfilled, particularly in the wake of Nadab and Abihu's judgment. It highlights his role as the guardian and enforcer of divine law and the seriousness with which he approached God's instructions.
* **Sin offering (Hebrew, חַטָּאת, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** The term _chaṭṭâʼâh_ (H2403) literally means "sin" or "purification offering." It was designed to cleanse from ritual impurity and to atone for unintentional sins, restoring the relationship between the offerer and God. The specific regulations for its disposal—whether eaten by priests or burnt outside the camp—were crucial to its efficacy and symbolic meaning, directly relating to the bearing of sin and the removal of defilement. Its proper handling was essential for the atonement process to be complete and effective.
* **Angry (Hebrew, קָצַף, _qâtsaph'_):** This verb _qâtsaph_ (H7107) denotes a strong, intense anger, often righteous indignation. Moses' anger here is not a personal outburst but a reflection of the seriousness of the priests' failure to adhere to God's precise instructions. It underscores the gravity of their oversight in a moment when divine holiness had been so powerfully and tragically demonstrated. His anger serves as a pastoral warning, emphasizing the immense responsibility of those who mediate between God and His people, and the grave consequences of ritual negligence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses diligently sought the goat of the sin offering":** This clause immediately establishes Moses' proactive and meticulous action following the somber events of Nadab and Abihu's death. His "diligent seeking" underscores his unwavering commitment to upholding divine law and ensuring proper ritual observance. The "goat of the sin offering" refers to the specific animal designated for the sin offering of the congregation or the priests themselves, which had particular, strict regulations for its handling and disposal.
* **"and, behold, it was burnt":** This is the pivotal discovery that triggers Moses' reaction. The interjection "behold" (Hebrew: _hinneh_) often introduces an unexpected or significant revelation. For this specific type of sin offering, the flesh was emphatically to be eaten by the priests in the holy place, not entirely burnt outside the camp. Its complete destruction by burning indicated a severe deviation from the prescribed ritual, rendering the offering incomplete or ineffective in its intended purpose of bearing sin and making atonement.
* **"and he was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar, the sons of Aaron [which were] left [alive], saying,":** Moses' anger is a direct, righteous response to the discovery of this ritual breach. It is specifically directed at Aaron's two surviving sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, who were responsible for executing the offering. The parenthetical "which were left alive" serves as a stark and chilling reminder of the recent divine judgment on their brothers, intensifying the gravity of their error and highlighting the precariousness of their position. Moses' impending words, implied by "saying," would be a sharp rebuke and an explanation of their failure, as recorded in the subsequent verses.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to heighten its impact and underscore its theological message. **Irony** is powerfully present in the fact that the very offering designed to atone for sin is itself mishandled, creating a new occasion for divine displeasure or ritual impurity. The priests, whose sacred role is to facilitate atonement and mediate holiness, inadvertently introduce further ritual defilement through their negligence. There is a stark **contrast** between the immediate, fiery judgment of Nadab and Abihu, a direct act of God, and Moses' human, yet righteous, anger; both responses, though different in nature, highlight the absolute necessity of precise obedience to God's commands and the gravity of ritual error. The burnt goat itself functions as potent **symbolism**, representing not just a procedural error but a profound failure to properly "bear the iniquity" of the people, as the priests were commanded to do by eating the offering. This act of burning, contrary to the specific instruction for this type of sin offering, could symbolize a rejection or nullification of the atonement it was meant to provide, underscoring the severe implications of ritual disobedience and the disruption of the divinely ordained means of reconciliation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 10:16 profoundly reinforces the foundational themes of divine holiness, the non-negotiable necessity of precise obedience in worship, and the immense, sacred responsibility of those who serve God. God's character as utterly holy demands that He be approached strictly on His terms, not human ones, and any deviation, particularly by those consecrated to His service, carries severe consequences. The sin offering, central to Israel's atonement system, required meticulous adherence to its regulations because it was the divinely appointed means by which sin was addressed, impurities cleansed, and communion with a holy God maintained. Moses' righteous anger highlights that even seemingly minor ritual errors could undermine the entire system of atonement and profane God's sacred presence, especially in the wake of such a clear and devastating demonstration of divine judgment. This passage serves as a potent reminder that our worship and service must always reflect God's character and His revealed will.

* [Leviticus 6:26](/leviticus/6-26 "Leviticus 6:26 - Priests to Eat Sin Offering")
* [Leviticus 10:17](/leviticus/10-17 "Leviticus 10:17 - Moses' Explanation of the Sin Offering")
* [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - God is a Consuming Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage serves as a powerful and enduring reminder that our approach to God must be marked by profound reverence, humble submission, and careful attention to His revealed will. While the Old Testament sacrificial system has been perfectly fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principles of God's unchanging holiness and our enduring need for obedient worship remain eternally true and relevant. For those in spiritual leadership, the weight of responsibility is particularly heavy, as their actions and example can either lead others closer to God in truth or inadvertently profane His name through negligence or self-will. We are called to serve God not according to our own preferences, convenience, or human wisdom, but meticulously according to His truth, ensuring our worship and service are offered "in Spirit and in truth" ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). This requires diligent study of His Word, a humble spirit of obedience that prioritizes His commands above all else, and a constant, awe-filled awareness of His majestic holiness, lest we, too, offer "strange fire" in our service, whether in our personal lives or corporate worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Moses' diligent search for the goat challenge my own diligence in understanding and obeying God's specific commands in my life and service?**
* **In what areas of my spiritual walk or ministry might I be tempted to take shortcuts, assume knowledge, or deviate from God's revealed will, perhaps unknowingly or out of convenience?**
* **What does Moses' righteous anger, in the immediate context of divine holiness and judgment, teach me about the profound seriousness and sacredness of our worship and service to God?**

### FAQ

**Why was Moses angry with Eleazar and Ithamar?**

Answer: Moses was angry because Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's surviving sons and consecrated priests, had failed to follow the precise divine instructions for the sin offering. For this particular sin offering, which was likely for the congregation or the priests themselves, the flesh was explicitly commanded to be eaten by the priests in a holy place within the Tabernacle, not burnt entirely outside the camp. Eating it was a symbolic yet crucial act of bearing the iniquity of the people and making atonement ([Leviticus 10:17](/leviticus/10-17 "Leviticus 10:17 - Moses Explains the Sin Offering")). Their failure to do so, especially immediately after the severe and public judgment on their brothers Nadab and Abihu for ritual disobedience ([Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1-2 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Disobedience")), demonstrated a profound lack of meticulous adherence to God's holy commands, which Moses, as God's mediator and guardian of the covenant, found utterly unacceptable and dangerous.

**What was the correct procedure for this sin offering, and why was it different?**

Answer: The correct procedure for this specific sin offering (likely a _chaṭṭāʾt_ for the congregation or the priests themselves) was for the priests to eat a portion of its flesh in a holy place within the Tabernacle precincts. This was distinct from other sin offerings whose blood was brought into the Holy Place or Holy of Holies, which were indeed to be burnt entirely outside the camp ([Leviticus 6:30](/leviticus/6-30 "Leviticus 6:30 - Sin Offering Burnt Outside Camp")). Moses later explains to Aaron that the priests were to eat the offering "to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before the Lord" ([Leviticus 10:17](/leviticus/10-17 "Leviticus 10:17 - The Purpose of Eating the Sin Offering")). By burning it instead of eating it, Eleazar and Ithamar failed to complete the necessary ritual act that symbolized the bearing and removal of sin, thereby undermining the atonement process for which they were divinely commissioned.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 10:16, with its stark portrayal of priestly failure and the strict, non-negotiable demands of divine holiness, powerfully foreshadows the perfect and ultimate atoning work of Jesus Christ. The sin offering, which required meticulous handling and the symbolic bearing of sin by the priests, points directly to Christ as the one true and flawless [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Unlike Eleazar and Ithamar, who failed to properly "bear the iniquity" by eating the offering, Jesus perfectly bore the full weight of humanity's sin, not symbolically, but actually and completely, on the cross ([Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4-6 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - He Bore Our Sins")). His sacrifice was not a burnt offering outside the camp due to priestly error or negligence, but a once-for-all, perfect offering that truly cleansed and atoned, making direct, unhindered access to God possible ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Furthermore, while Moses was righteously angry at the priests' deviation from God's commands, Christ, our [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), perfectly fulfilled every aspect of God's law and every requirement of the sacrificial system, offering Himself in complete and unblemished obedience ([Hebrews 7:26-28](/hebrews/7-26-28 "Hebrews 7:26-28 - A Perfect High Priest")). His perfect obedience and singular sacrifice ensure that the atonement He provides is eternally effective, requiring no further human ritual or correction, fully satisfying the righteous demands of God's holiness and bringing us into an unblemished, reconciled relationship with Him.

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 9:3

And unto the children of Israel thou shalt speak, saying, Take ye a kid of the goats for a sin offering; and a calf and a lamb, [both] of the first year, without blemish, for a burnt offering;

Leviticus 9:15

And he brought the people's offering, and took the goat, which [was] the sin offering for the people, and slew it, and offered it for sin, as the first.

Matthew 5:22

But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Mark 3:5

And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched [it] out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

Leviticus 6:26

The priest that offereth it for sin shall eat it: in the holy place shall it be eaten, in the court of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Exodus 32:19

And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.

Exodus 32:22

And Aaron said, Let not the anger of my lord wax hot: thou knowest the people, that they [are set] on mischief.