Leviticus 10:7

KJV

And ye shall not go out from the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: for the anointing oil of the LORD [is] upon you. And they did according to the word of Moses.

KJV (with Strong's)

And ye shall not go out {H3318} from the door {H6607} of the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}, lest ye die {H4191}: for the anointing {H4888} oil {H8081} of the LORD {H3068} is upon you. And they did {H6213} according to the word {H1697} of Moses {H4872}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moreover, don't leave the entrance to the tent of meeting, or you will die, because ADONAI's anointing oil is on you."

Berean Standard Bible

You shall not go outside the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, or you will die, for the LORD’s anointing oil is on you.” So they did as Moses instructed.

American Standard Version

And ye shall not go out from the door of the tent of meeting, lest ye die; for the anointing oil of Jehovah is upon you. And they did according to the word of Moses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 10:7 delivers a profound and solemn divine command through Moses to Aaron and his two remaining sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, immediately after the tragic judgment upon Nadab and Abihu for offering unauthorized fire. This verse strictly prohibits them from departing from the tabernacle's entrance, lest they incur divine wrath and die, powerfully emphasizing that their sacred consecration by the Lord's anointing oil demanded unwavering adherence to divine protocols and a profound reverence for God's holiness, even amidst personal grief, thereby underscoring the supreme gravity of priestly service and the non-negotiable nature of God's commands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct and immediate consequence of the shocking events detailed in [Leviticus 10:1-5](/leviticus/10-1-5 "Leviticus 10:1-5 - The Judgment of Nadab and Abihu"). Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's elder sons, had presumptuously offered "strange fire" before the Lord, resulting in their instantaneous consumption by fire from God's presence. This horrific judgment served as an unequivocal demonstration of God's absolute holiness and the critical necessity of precise obedience in worship. Immediately following this, Moses issues a series of commands to Aaron and his surviving sons. [Leviticus 10:6](/leviticus/10-6 "Leviticus 10:6 - Command Not to Mourn for Nadab and Abihu") specifically forbids them from engaging in traditional mourning rituals—disheveling their hair or tearing their garments—"lest you die." The command in [Leviticus 10:7](/leviticus/10-7 "Leviticus 10:7 - Priestly Consecration and Obedience") extends this prohibition, commanding them not to leave the tabernacle, further reinforcing the principle that their consecrated priestly duties and status superseded all personal grief and conventional societal expectations, highlighting the unparalleled sanctity of God's presence and the non-negotiable demands of His service.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [Leviticus 10](/leviticus/10 "Leviticus 10 - Priestly Conduct and Holiness") unfold at a pivotal moment in Israel's history: shortly after the completion and dedication of the tabernacle, as described in [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Erected and Filled with Glory"), and the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, detailed in [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - The Consecration of Aaron and His Sons"). The anointing oil, prepared according to precise divine instructions in [Exodus 30:22-33](/exodus/30-22-33 "Exodus 30:22-33 - The Holy Anointing Oil"), was not merely a ritualistic substance but a profound symbol of their being set apart by God's Spirit for exclusive, holy service. In the ancient Near East, public mourning rituals were elaborate and deeply ingrained cultural practices, often involving highly visible displays of grief. However, for the Israelite priests, their unique role as mediators between a holy God and His people placed them under exceptionally strict regulations. Their proximity to the divine presence within the [tabernacle](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Dwelling Among His People") meant that any deviation from divine command, especially concerning ritual purity, conduct, or the sanctity of the sacred space, could have immediate and fatal consequences, as chillingly demonstrated by Nadab and Abihu. The command to remain at the tabernacle underscored their ongoing, consecrated state and their inability to participate in ordinary life or even ordinary mourning, lest they defile their sacred office or the holy space.
* **Key Themes:** [Leviticus 10:7](/leviticus/10-7 "Leviticus 10:7 - Priestly Consecration and Obedience") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of [Leviticus](/leviticus "Leviticus - Holiness and Worship"). Foremost is the theme of **God's Absolute Holiness**. The swift and severe judgment on Nadab and Abihu, followed by these strict commands, unequivocally communicates that God is utterly set apart and cannot be approached casually or on human terms. This holiness demands **Precise Obedience** from those who serve Him, particularly the priests who mediate between God and Israel. The verse also highlights the **Seriousness of Priestly Consecration**. The anointing oil symbolizes an indelible setting apart, a divine ownership that imposes unique responsibilities and a higher standard of conduct. The priests' lives were no longer their own; they were wholly dedicated to God's service. Finally, the passage underscores the **Supremacy of Divine Will over Human Emotion**. Even profound personal grief, like the loss of sons, had to be subordinated to God's command, demonstrating that loyalty to God and the integrity of His worship superseded all other considerations. This theme is echoed throughout the Pentateuch, emphasizing that God's ways are higher than human ways ([Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Go out (Hebrew, יָצָא, _yatsa'_):** This primitive root signifies "to go forth," "to depart," or "to come out." In the context of Leviticus 10:7, it carries the profound weight of a forbidden departure from a sacred space and a consecrated state. It implies not merely a physical movement but a violation of divinely imposed boundaries and a potential abandonment of their priestly responsibilities. The prohibition underscores that their consecrated status was intrinsically tied to their presence and service within the tabernacle precincts, making any unauthorized "going out" an act of defilement and disobedience.
* **Tabernacle of the congregation (Hebrew, אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, _'ohel mo'ed_):** This phrase, literally "tent of meeting," designates the central, divinely appointed place where God met with His people and where His glorious presence dwelt. It was the focal point of Israel's worship, the site of all sacrificial rites, and the locus of priestly duties. The command to remain at its door emphasizes that the priests' lives were to be wholly consumed by their service to God within this holy space; their very existence and identity were bound up with the divine presence and the sacred duties performed there.
* **Anointing oil (Hebrew, מִשְׁחָה שֶׁמֶן, _shemen mishchah_):** This refers to the specially prepared, holy oil used to consecrate priests and sacred objects, symbolizing their being set apart for divine service. Its presence "upon you" signifies not merely a past ritual act but an ongoing, indelible state of consecration and divine empowerment. It symbolized the Spirit of God setting them apart for His exclusive use, making any act of disobedience, defilement, or casual disregard for their sacred office a direct affront to God's holiness and a betrayal of their solemn trust.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall not go out from the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die:":** This is a direct, emphatic, and absolute prohibition delivered to Aaron's surviving sons. The phrase "the door of the tabernacle" signifies the immediate vicinity of the holy dwelling, emphasizing that their consecrated state required their constant presence and readiness for service within the sacred precincts. The severe consequence, "lest ye die," highlights the extreme gravity of the command, linking disobedience directly to divine judgment, mirroring the fate of their brothers Nadab and Abihu. It underscores that God's holiness demands absolute obedience, especially from those who serve Him intimately and are set apart for His purposes.
* **"for the anointing oil of the LORD [is] upon you.":** This clause provides the crucial divine rationale and theological basis for the strict command. The anointing oil, symbolizing their sacred consecration and the empowering presence of the Lord's Spirit, made them uniquely set apart for God's exclusive use. Their very being, their office, and their lives were dedicated to Him. To leave the tabernacle, especially in a manner inconsistent with their sacred calling (e.g., to engage in public mourning that would ritually defile them or distract from their duties), would be to defile the anointing, dishonor the Lord whose oil was upon them, and violate the terms of their sacred covenant. Their consecrated status demanded a higher standard of conduct and separation from ordinary life.
* **"And they did according to the word of Moses.":** This final statement confirms the immediate, complete, and unquestioning obedience of Aaron and his remaining sons, Eleazar and Ithamar. In the face of overwhelming grief, the recent terrifying demonstration of God's judgment, and the personal cost of suppressing their sorrow, they submitted to the divine command without hesitation. This act of obedience is profoundly significant, demonstrating their acceptance of God's absolute authority, their profound reverence for His holiness, and their unwavering commitment to their priestly office, even when it required suppressing the most natural human emotions.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 10:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent and weighty message. The primary device is **Command**, expressed through the direct negative imperative, "ye shall not go out," which powerfully conveys the absolute authority of God and the non-negotiable nature of His instructions. This is immediately followed by a stark **Warning**, "lest ye die," a clear and severe consequence that functions as a potent deterrent and underscores the sanctity of the priestly office and the terrifying holiness of God. The phrase "for the anointing oil of the LORD is upon you" serves as a form of **Justification** or **Rationale**, providing the theological basis for the command and warning. It highlights the profound **Symbolism** of the anointing oil, which represents divine consecration, empowerment, and the indelible mark of God's ownership, making any disobedience a direct affront to the divine. The final statement, "And they did according to the word of Moses," acts as a form of **Resolution** or **Affirmation**, demonstrating immediate and complete obedience, thereby reinforcing the narrative's central emphasis on the necessity of submission to divine will, even in the face of profound personal tragedy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 10:7 profoundly underscores the themes of divine holiness, the seriousness of priestly consecration, and the absolute necessity of obedience to God's revealed will. The Lord's command to Aaron's sons, issued in the immediate aftermath of their brothers' judgment, highlights that proximity to God's holy presence demands an elevated standard of conduct and an unwavering commitment to His commands. The anointing oil signifies not merely a ritual but a profound setting apart, an indelible mark of God's ownership and empowerment, which carries with it immense responsibility. Disregarding this consecrated status, even for understandable human reasons like mourning, was an affront to the Holy One and carried fatal consequences, demonstrating that God's glory and the integrity of His worship supersede all other considerations. This passage serves as a timeless reminder that God is to be approached with reverence and awe, for He is a consuming fire.

* [Exodus 29:44](/exodus/29-44 "Exodus 29:44 - God's Consecration of the Tabernacle and Priests")
* [Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - Priestly Duties and Consequences")
* [Hebrews 12:28-29](/hebrews/12-28-29 "Hebrews 12:28-29 - Reverence and Awe in Worship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 10:7, while rooted in the Old Covenant priesthood, offers enduring and profound truths for believers today, who are called a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - The Royal Priesthood")). Just as the anointing oil set apart Aaron's sons for sacred service, so too are we, by the Holy Spirit, consecrated to God. This verse powerfully reminds us that our walk with God is not to be taken lightly; our "anointing" by the Spirit signifies a profound separation unto God and a calling to live continually in His presence according to His will. It challenges us to deeply consider whether we are truly "remaining at the door of the tabernacle" in our spiritual lives – staying close to God, prioritizing His presence and commands above all else, and resisting the temptation to depart into worldly concerns or even legitimate human emotions in ways that dishonor His holiness. Our consecration demands a life of profound reverence, unwavering obedience, and steadfast faithfulness, recognizing that our ultimate identity, purpose, and joy are found in Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the severity of the command in Leviticus 10:7 challenge my understanding of God's absolute holiness and the seriousness of my own spiritual calling as a believer?**
* **In what practical ways might I be "going out from the door of the tabernacle" in my daily life, neglecting my consecrated status or allowing worldly distractions to pull me away from God's presence and His priorities?**
* **What does it truly mean for me, as a New Testament believer, to live a life that authentically reflects the "anointing" of the Holy Spirit upon me, and how can I cultivate deeper reverence and more consistent obedience in my worship and daily walk?**

### FAQ
**What does "lest ye die" signify for believers today, given that we are under grace?**

Answer: While the immediate physical death for ritual transgression was a specific consequence within the Old Covenant, tied to the unique context of the tabernacle and the direct, visible presence of God, the underlying principle of serious consequences for disobedience remains profoundly relevant. For New Testament believers, "lest ye die" can be understood in terms of spiritual death, which manifests as broken fellowship with God, a loss of spiritual vitality, a diminished capacity for fruitfulness, or even the Lord's disciplinary hand. [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin") famously states that "the wages of sin is death," which encompasses spiritual separation from God, even if a believer possesses eternal life through Christ. Persistent, unconfessed sin or a casual disregard for God's holiness can lead to spiritual barrenness, a lack of joy, and a sense of distance from God. Furthermore, the New Testament warns of divine discipline for believers who disregard God's commands or profane sacred things, as seen in [1 Corinthians 11:30](/1_corinthians/11-30 "1 Corinthians 11:30 - Consequences of Improper Communion"), where some were "weak and sick among you, and many sleep [have died]" due to improper participation in the Lord's Supper. Thus, the warning underscores that God's holiness still demands reverence and obedience, even if the specific form of judgment has changed under the New Covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 10:7, with its profound emphasis on priestly consecration, the anointing oil, and the strict demands of God's holiness, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is our perfect High Priest, consecrated not by earthly oil but by the eternal Spirit, who offered Himself as the spotless and ultimate [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") for the sins of the world. Unlike Aaron's sons, who were commanded to remain at the tabernacle's door under penalty of death, Christ Himself *is* the [true Tabernacle](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the very dwelling place of God among humanity, embodying God's presence in a way no physical structure ever could. Through His perfect sacrifice and resurrection, He has opened a [new and living way](/hebrews/10-20 "Hebrews 10:20 - The New and Living Way") for all believers to draw near to God's holy presence without fear of death, for He has borne the judgment for our unholiness. The anointing upon Aaron's sons, symbolizing their setting apart for service, powerfully foreshadows the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon Christ, who was uniquely set apart and empowered for His redemptive mission ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Anointing by the Spirit")). Furthermore, through Christ, believers are now made a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - The Royal Priesthood")), anointed by the Holy Spirit ([1 John 2:20](/1_john/2-20 "1 John 2:20 - The Anointing from the Holy One")) and called to live consecrated lives, not by staying at a physical tabernacle, but by abiding in Christ Himself ([John 15:4](/john/15-4 "John 15:4 - Abiding in Christ")) and walking in the Spirit, forever in the presence of our holy God, who has welcomed us into His family through His Son.

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 21:12

Neither shall he go out of the sanctuary, nor profane the sanctuary of his God; for the crown of the anointing oil of his God [is] upon him: I [am] the LORD.

Leviticus 8:30

And Moses took of the anointing oil, and of the blood which [was] upon the altar, and sprinkled [it] upon Aaron, [and] upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon his sons' garments with him; and sanctified Aaron, [and] his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him.

2 Corinthians 1:21

Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, [is] God;

Exodus 28:41

And thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him; and shalt anoint them, and consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office.

Exodus 30:30

And thou shalt anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that [they] may minister unto me in the priest's office.

Luke 9:60

Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

Acts 10:38

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.