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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Leviticus 16:5–14.
The Jewish writers say that for seven days before the day of expiation the high priest was to retire from his own house, and to dwell in a chamber of the temple, that he might prepare himself for the service of this great day. During those seven days he himself did the work of the inferior priests about the sacrifices, incense, etc., that he might have his hand in for this day: he must have the institution read to him again and again, that he might be fully apprised of the whole method. 1. He was to begin the service of the day very early with the usual morning sacrifice, after he had first washed his whole body before he dressed himself, and his hands and feet again afterwards. He then burned the daily incense, dressed the lamps, and offered the extraordinary sacrifice appointed for this day (not here, but Num 29:8), a bullock, a ram, and seven lambs, all for burnt-offerings. This he is supposed to have done in his high priest's garments. 2. He must now put off his rich robes, bathe himself, put on the linen garments, and present unto the Lord his own bullock, which was to be a sin-offering for himself and his own house, Lev 16:6. The bullock was set between the temple and the altar, and the offering of him mentioned in this verse was the making of a solemn confession of his sins and the sins of his house, earnestly praying for the forgiveness of them, and this with his hands on the head of the bullock. 3. He must then cast lots upon the two goats, which were to make (both together) one sin-offering for the congregation. One of these goats must be slain, in token of a satisfaction to be made to God's justice for sin, the other must be sent away, in token of the remission or dismission of sin by the mercy of God. Both must be presented together to God (Lev 16:7) before the lot was cast upon them, and afterwards the scape-goat by itself, Lev 16:10. Some think that goats were chosen for the sin-offering because, by the disagreeableness of their smell, the offensiveness of sin is represented: others think, because it was said that the demons which the heathens then worshipped often appeared to their worshippers in the form of goats, God therefore obliged his people to sacrifice goats, that they might never be tempted to sacrifice to goats. 4. The next thing to be done was to kill the bullock for the sin-offering for himself and his house, Lev 16:11. "Now," say the Jews, "he must again put his hands on the head of the bullock, and repeat the confession and supplication he had before made, and kill the bullock with his own hands, to make atonement for himself first (for how could he make reconciliation for the sins of the people till he was himself first reconciled?) and for his house, not only his own family, but all the priests, who are called the house of Aaron," Psa 135:19. This charity must begin at home, though it must not end there. The bullock being killed, he left one of the priests to stir the blood, that it might not thicken, and then, 5. He took a censer of burning coals (that would not smoke) in one hand, and a dish full of the sweet incense in the other, and then went into the holy of holies through the veil, and went up towards the ark, set the coals down upon the floor, and scattered the incense upon them, so that the room was immediately filled with smoke. The Jews say that he was to go in side-ways, that he might not look directly upon the ark where the divine glory was, till it was covered with smoke; then he must come out backwards, out of reverence to the divine majesty; and, after a short prayer, he was to hasten out of the sanctuary, to show himself to the people, that they might not suspect that he had misbehaved himself and died before the Lord. 6. He then fetched the blood of the bullock from the priest whom he had left stirring it, and took that in with him the second time into the holy of holies, which was now filled with the smoke of the incense, and sprinkled with his finger of that blood upon, or rather towards, the mercy-seat, once over against the top of it and then seven times towards the lower part of it, Lev 16:14. But the drops of blood (as the Jews expound it) all fell upon the ground, and none touched the mercy-seat. Having done this, he came out of the most holy place, set the basin of blood down in the sanctuary, and went out.
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Summary
Leviticus 16:13 details a critical component of the Day of Atonement ritual, where the High Priest is commanded to place sacred incense onto burning coals within the Holy of Holies. This act generates a dense cloud of fragrant smoke, specifically designed to envelop the mercy seat atop the Ark of the Covenant. This divinely mandated obscuring of God's manifest presence was a vital protective measure, ensuring the High Priest's survival as he performed the most sacred duties, thereby underscoring the profound reverence and strict protocols required for sinful humanity to approach a holy God.
Context
Literary Context
Leviticus 16 provides the comprehensive, divinely ordained instructions for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, which was the most solemn and significant day in the Israelite calendar. This chapter's meticulous details are presented immediately following the tragic account of Nadab and Abihu's unauthorized fire in Leviticus 10:1-2, an event that starkly underscored the fatal consequences of disrespecting God's holiness and prescribed worship. Thus, the rigid protocols outlined in Leviticus 16 serve as a divine safeguard, ensuring the High Priest's proper and safe approach to the divine presence. Verses 11-12 describe the High Priest bringing a censer of burning coals from the altar and two handfuls of sweet incense into the Holy of Holies, setting the stage for the specific action commanded in verse 13. This precise sequence is crucial, as the protective cloud of incense must be established before the High Priest proceeds with the blood sprinkling, emphasizing the absolute necessity of this barrier for his survival.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Tabernacle, and later the Temple, served as the dwelling place of God among His people, a physical representation of His holy presence. The Holy of Holies, the innermost sanctuary, was the most sacred space, accessible only to the High Priest, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement. The "mercy seat" (Hebrew: kappôreth) was the golden lid of the Ark of the Covenant, where God promised to meet with Moses and speak to him (Exodus 25:22). The "testimony" refers to the tablets of the Law contained within the Ark, representing God's covenant and righteous standards. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the presence of deities was often associated with clouds or smoke, signifying mystery, power, and sometimes, a protective veil. While the ritual use of incense was common in many ancient religions, in Israel, its specific composition and prescribed use were unique, emphasizing its sacred purpose and the absolute control God exercised over how He was to be approached. The strictness of the ritual, including the warning "that he die not," reflects the Israelite understanding of God's transcendent holiness, which could not be casually or presumptuously approached by sinful humanity.
Key Themes
Leviticus 16:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of God's absolute holiness and the inherent danger for sinful humanity to approach His unmediated presence. This verse highlights the necessity of mediation and atonement, demonstrating that a divinely appointed system is required for reconciliation between a holy God and an unholy people. It underscores the seriousness of sin and its fatal consequences if not properly addressed through God's prescribed means. Furthermore, the ritual emphasizes divine provision and grace, as God Himself establishes the means by which His people can draw near without perishing. The meticulous instructions also reinforce the theme of obedience to divine commands, as deviation carries severe penalties, reinforcing the importance of reverent worship and adherence to God's revealed will, as seen throughout Leviticus.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This is the personal, covenantal name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "the Lord." It signifies the self-existent, eternal, and unchanging nature of God. In this context, performing the ritual "before the LORD" emphasizes that the High Priest is acting in the direct, awesome presence of the sovereign God of Israel, highlighting the immense solemnity and divine authority behind the command.
This primitive root means "to plump, i.e. fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy); clad self, close, clothe, conceal, hide, overwhelm." Here, it specifically denotes the act of the incense cloud completely enveloping and concealing the mercy seat. This covering is not merely for aesthetic purposes but serves as a protective veil, obscuring the High Priest's direct view of God's unmediated glory and ensuring his survival by preventing direct exposure to the divine presence.
This term refers to the golden lid of the sacred Ark of the Covenant. Derived from the root kaphar (כָּפַר), which means "to cover," "to atone," or "to purge," the kappôreth is intrinsically linked to the concept of atonement. It was the specific place where the atoning blood was sprinkled on Yom Kippur, making it the focal point of God's grace and forgiveness, where His justice (represented by the Law within the Ark) was met with mercy through sacrifice.
Verse Breakdown
"And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the LORD"
This command specifies the High Priest's precise action. He is to take the specially prepared, sacred incense and place it on the burning coals he has brought into the Holy of Holies. The phrase "before the LORD" emphasizes that this act is performed directly in the manifest presence of God, signifying the utmost solemnity and sacredness of the moment. The immediate production of a thick cloud of smoke is the intended outcome, which is crucial for the subsequent protective function.
"that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that [is] upon the testimony"
This clause reveals the explicit, life-preserving purpose of burning the incense. The resulting cloud is not merely a pleasant aroma but a necessary veil. It must be thick enough to "cover" or completely envelop the mercy seat, which rests directly above the "testimony" (the tablets of the Law within the Ark). This covering serves as a visual and spiritual barrier, shielding the High Priest from the overwhelming, unmediated glory of God's presence, which resided above the mercy seat.
"that he die not"
This stark and critical phrase underscores the extreme danger inherent in approaching God's absolute holiness without divine provision. It highlights the divine requirement for specific, divinely ordained mediation and purification. Any deviation from these precise instructions, or any attempt to approach God's unmediated presence without this protective cloud, would result in immediate death, as tragically seen in the fate of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2). This phrase powerfully communicates God's transcendent holiness and His demand for reverent obedience, emphasizing that human life is forfeit in the face of unmediated divine glory.
Literary Devices
Leviticus 16:13 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound theological truths. Symbolism is paramount, with the "incense" symbolizing not only the ascending prayers and worship of the people but also a divinely provided veil or protective barrier. The "cloud" itself is a powerful symbol of God's presence, often associated with His glory, mystery, and sometimes, His judgment (e.g., the cloud covering Mount Sinai in Exodus 19:16 or the pillar of cloud guiding Israel in Exodus 13:21). Here, it functions as a paradoxical veil, simultaneously manifesting God's presence through its appearance and concealing it to protect the High Priest. The "mercy seat" itself is a profound symbol of God's atoning grace and the sacred meeting place where His justice is met with mercy. The concluding phrase "that he die not" serves as a stark example of warning combined with consequence, emphasizing the absolute severity of God's holiness and the fatal repercussions of irreverence or improper approach. This verse also utilizes foreshadowing, subtly pointing forward to the ultimate need for a perfect mediator and a complete, eternal covering for sin, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Covenant.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Leviticus 16:13 vividly portrays the awesome holiness of God and the inherent danger for sinful humanity to approach Him without proper, divinely ordained mediation. The meticulous instructions for the incense cloud underscore the infinite gap between a holy God and fallen humanity, demonstrating that direct, unmediated access would be fatal. This ritual, therefore, powerfully communicates the necessity of atonement and the indispensable role of a divinely appointed mediator. It reveals God's gracious provision for His people to stand in His presence, not through their own merit or presumption, but through a prescribed system that both acknowledges their sinfulness and provides a pathway for reconciliation. The cloud of incense, while protective, also veiled the full glory of God, signifying that even the High Priest, the most privileged human, could not fully gaze upon the divine presence and live, underscoring the profound mystery and transcendence of the Almighty.
Reflection and Application
Leviticus 16:13, though describing an ancient ritual, speaks profound and enduring truths about our relationship with God today. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's unchanging, absolute holiness and the gravity of sin, which separates us from Him. We are called to approach God with reverence, awe, and humility, recognizing that our access is not a right earned by our own merit or good deeds, but an unfathomable privilege granted solely through the perfect sacrifice of Christ. This verse invites us to reflect on the immense cost of our redemption and the incredible grace that allows us to draw near to a holy God. It challenges any casual or flippant attitude towards worship, prayer, or our spiritual walk, urging us to cultivate a deep sense of humility, gratitude, and profound respect for the One who has made a way for us. The protective cloud of incense, a temporary and symbolic covering, ultimately points us to the complete and eternal covering provided by Jesus, our High Priest, who enables us to stand in God's presence without fear of death.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was the cloud of incense necessary for the High Priest to avoid death?
The cloud of incense was necessary because it served as a divinely ordained protective veil, obscuring the High Priest's direct view of the Shekinah glory, the manifest presence of God, which resided above the mercy seat. God's holiness is so absolute, pure, and consuming that sinful humanity cannot directly behold it and live (Exodus 33:20). The incense cloud, therefore, was a crucial means of safeguarding the High Priest's life, allowing him to perform his atoning duties without being consumed by God's unmediated presence. It profoundly underscored that even the High Priest, performing the most sacred duties, was still a sinful human requiring divine protection and mediation to survive in the presence of a holy God.
What is the significance of the "mercy seat" and "testimony" in this verse?
The "mercy seat" (Hebrew: kappôreth) was the golden lid of the Ark of the Covenant, where God's presence was specifically manifested and where He promised to meet with His people (Exodus 25:22). Its name, derived from the root "to atone" or "to cover," highlights its central function as the place where atonement was made through the sprinkling of blood. The "testimony" refers to the two tablets of the Law (the Ten Commandments) stored inside the Ark. These tablets represented God's righteous demands, His perfect standards, and the covenant He made with Israel, which humanity continually failed to uphold. Thus, the mercy seat resting upon the testimony profoundly symbolized God's grace (mercy seat) triumphing over His justice (testimony) through the shedding of blood, making it the central point of reconciliation between a holy God and His sinful people.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Leviticus 16:13, with its vivid depiction of the High Priest's perilous yet divinely enabled entry into the Holy of Holies, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The temporary, symbolic cloud of incense that protected the High Priest foreshadows the perfect and eternal covering provided by Christ's own blood. Unlike Aaron, who had to offer sacrifices for his own sins before entering (Leviticus 16:6), Jesus, our great High Priest, was without sin (Hebrews 4:15). He did not enter an earthly sanctuary with the blood of animals and a cloud of incense, but He entered the true, heavenly Holy of Holies "once for all" with His own precious blood, securing an eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:11-12). The "that he die not" warning in Leviticus highlights humanity's inherent inability to stand before God's holiness, but Christ's perfect sacrifice removes that barrier, allowing believers to now "draw near with confidence to the throne of grace" (Hebrews 4:16), not through a physical cloud, but through faith in His atoning work, which fully covers our sin and grants us direct, unhindered access to the very presence of God.