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Leviticus 10:16

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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,

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},

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,

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,

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

Leviticus 10:16 captures a tense moment following a significant divine judgment, highlighting the strictness of God's commands regarding worship and priestly duties.

Context of Leviticus 10:16

This verse immediately follows the tragic deaths of Aaron's elder sons, Nadab and Abihu, who were consumed by fire for offering "strange fire" before the Lord (Leviticus 10:1-2). In the wake of this severe demonstration of divine holiness, Moses meticulously checks on the proper execution of the remaining priestly rituals. The sin offering, specifically the goat mentioned here, was crucial for atonement and had strict regulations regarding its disposal, especially when offered for the priests themselves or the whole congregation serving in the Tabernacle.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Holiness and Strict Obedience: The immediate context underscores God's absolute holiness and the necessity of precise obedience in worship. Any deviation, even if seemingly minor, could have grave consequences, particularly for those serving in sacred roles.
  • Priestly Responsibility: Aaron's surviving sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, were charged with critical responsibilities in the Tabernacle. Their failure to handle the sin offering correctly, as Moses discovers, demonstrates the immense burden of accuracy placed upon the priesthood.
  • The Importance of the Sin Offering: The sin offering (Hebrew: chatta't) was central to the system of atonement. For specific sin offerings, like those for priests or the congregation, the flesh was to be eaten by the priests in a holy place within the Tabernacle, symbolizing their bearing the iniquities of the people (Leviticus 10:17). Burning it completely outside the camp was reserved for offerings whose blood was brought into the Holy Place, which was not the case here.
  • Moses' Leadership: Moses, as God's appointed mediator, diligently investigates and confronts the error, ensuring that God's laws are upheld even amidst tragedy. His anger reflects the seriousness of the priests' oversight in such a holy setting.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "diligently sought" (Hebrew: darash darash) implies a thorough and earnest inquiry, reflecting Moses' commitment to ensuring every aspect of the divine command was fulfilled. The term "sin offering" (Hebrew: chatta't) literally means "sin," highlighting the offering's direct connection to dealing with the people's transgressions and making atonement.

Practical Application

Leviticus 10:16 reminds us that serving God, especially in positions of spiritual leadership, requires careful attention to His instructions and a deep reverence for His holiness. While the Old Testament sacrificial system has been fulfilled in Christ's perfect sacrifice, the principle of obedience and the seriousness of approaching a holy God remain. It calls us to examine our own hearts and actions, ensuring our worship and service are offered in Spirit and in truth, with respect for God's revealed will.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Leviticus 9:3 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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