Leviticus 16:2

And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy [place] within the vail before the mercy seat, which [is] upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Moses {H4872}, Speak {H1696} unto Aaron {H175} thy brother {H251}, that he come {H935} not at all times {H6256} into the holy {H6944} place within {H1004} the vail {H6532} before {H6440} the mercy seat {H3727}, which is upon the ark {H727}; that he die {H4191} not: for I will appear {H7200} in the cloud {H6051} upon the mercy {H3727} seat.

ADONAI said to Moshe, "Tell your brother Aharon not to come at just any time into the Holy Place beyond the curtain, in front of the ark-cover which is on the ark, so that he will not die; because I appear in the cloud over the ark-cover.

And the LORD said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron not to enter freely into the Most Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.

and Jehovah said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the veil, before the mercy-seat which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy-seat.

Commentary

Leviticus 16:2 (KJV)

"And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy [place] within the vail before the mercy seat, which [is] upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat."

Commentary

This verse introduces the solemn instructions for the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the most sacred day in the Israelite calendar, outlining the strict protocol for the High Priest's entry into the innermost sanctuary.

Historical/Cultural Context: The "holy place within the vail" refers to the Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies) inside the Tabernacle (and later the Temple). This was the most sacred area, separated from the Holy Place by a thick curtain or "vail." Inside was the Ark of the Covenant, and its lid, the "mercy seat," was considered the earthly dwelling place of God's presence, often manifesting as a cloud.

Key Themes and Messages:

  • God's Holiness and Danger: The warning "that he die not" emphasizes the absolute holiness of God and the inherent danger for even the High Priest to enter His immediate presence without proper preparation and authorization.
  • Restricted Access: Entry into the Most Holy Place was not permitted "at all times." This privilege was strictly limited to the High Priest, and only on the Day of Atonement, and even then, only after specific purification rituals and offerings.
  • The Mercy Seat as God's Throne: The "mercy seat" was the designated place where God would meet with Israel and where atonement for their sins would be made.

Linguistic Insight: The Hebrew word for "mercy seat" is kapporet, derived from the root kaphar, meaning "to cover," "to atone," or "to reconcile." This highlights its function as the place where atonement was achieved by the covering of sin.

Cross-Reference: The New Testament book of Hebrews explains that the earthly Tabernacle and its rituals were shadows pointing to the reality found in Christ. Christ, our High Priest, has entered the true, heavenly Holy of Holies through His own blood, providing a new and living way for believers to draw near to God (Hebrews 9:7, Hebrews 10:19).

Practical Application: This verse instills a sense of awe and reverence for God's holiness. While believers now have direct access to God through Jesus Christ, this access is based on Christ's perfect sacrifice and not on our own merit or presumption. We approach God with boldness, but also with humility and reverence, recognizing the immense privilege granted through Christ.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 30:10 (9 votes)

    And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it [is] most holy unto the LORD.

  • 1 Kings 8:10 (8 votes)

    And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy [place], that the cloud filled the house of the LORD,

  • 1 Kings 8:12 (8 votes)

    ¶ Then spake Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.

  • Hebrews 10:19 (7 votes)

    ¶ Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

  • Hebrews 10:20 (7 votes)

    By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

  • Hebrews 9:25 (6 votes)

    Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;

  • Hebrews 9:7 (5 votes)

    But into the second [went] the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and [for] the errors of the people: