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Leviticus 10:3

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¶ Then Moses said unto Aaron, This [is it] that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.

Then Moses {H4872} said {H559} unto Aaron {H175}, This is it that the LORD {H3068} spake {H1696}, saying {H559}, I will be sanctified {H6942} in them that come nigh {H7138} me, and before {H6440} all the people {H5971} I will be glorified {H3513}. And Aaron {H175} held his peace {H1826}.

Moshe said to Aharon, "This is what ADONAI said: 'Through those who are near me I will be consecrated, and before all the people I will be glorified.'" Aharon kept silent.

Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant when He said: ‘To those who come near Me I will show My holiness, and in the sight of all the people I will reveal My glory.’” But Aaron remained silent.

Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that Jehovah spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.

Commentary

Leviticus 10:3 captures a profound and sobering declaration from God concerning His absolute holiness and the necessity of reverence from those who serve Him. Following the tragic and immediate judgment upon Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, for offering "strange fire," Moses relays God's uncompromising standard for divine worship and service.

Context

This verse immediately follows the dramatic account in Leviticus 10:1-2, where Nadab and Abihu, despite being consecrated priests, offered incense with "strange fire" – fire not commanded by the LORD. Their act of disobedience resulted in their instant death by fire from the LORD. This occurred shortly after the elaborate consecration of the Tabernacle and the priesthood, highlighting the immense importance of adhering to God's specific instructions for worship. Moses' words to Aaron in verse 3 explain the divine principle behind this severe judgment, emphasizing that God's character demands perfect obedience and reverence from those who approach Him.

Key Themes

  • God's Absolute Holiness: The central theme is God's intrinsic and non-negotiable holiness. He is utterly set apart from all that is common or profane.
  • Reverence and Obedience: Those who "come nigh" (approach) God, especially in service or worship, must do so on His terms, with deep reverence and strict obedience to His commands.
  • Divine Justice and Glory: God's glory is upheld not only in His blessings but also in His righteous judgments. His actions demonstrate that He will be acknowledged as holy by all, particularly those who represent Him.
  • Silence in Submission: Aaron's response, "held his peace," signifies a profound moment of submission, grief, and acknowledgment of God's just and sovereign authority, even amidst personal tragedy.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Sanctified" (Hebrew: qadash): This word means to be set apart, consecrated, or made holy. When God says, "I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me," it means He will be acknowledged and revealed as holy through their conduct. If they fail to acknowledge His holiness, He will demonstrate it through His judgment.
  • "Glorified" (Hebrew: kabad): This term implies being weighty, honored, or esteemed. God declares that He will be honored and His majesty displayed "before all the people" through His actions, ensuring His rightful place as the holy sovereign.

Practical Application

Leviticus 10:3 serves as a timeless reminder for all believers about the seriousness of approaching a holy God. While we now live under the new covenant of grace through Christ, the principle of God's holiness remains unchanged. We are called to:

  • Approach God with Reverence: Though we have bold access to God through Jesus (Hebrews 4:16), this access does not negate the need for deep reverence and respect for His majesty. As Hebrews 12:28 states, we should "serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear."
  • Live in Obedience: Especially for those in spiritual leadership or ministry, there is a heightened responsibility to uphold God's standards and obey His Word. Disobedience can dishonor God and have far-reaching consequences.
  • Recognize God's Sovereignty: Aaron's silence teaches us to trust God's perfect justice and wisdom, even when His ways are difficult to comprehend or cause us pain. God's ultimate purpose is always to uphold His own holy name and glory.
  • Strive for Holiness: The call to God's people is to reflect His character. Just as He is holy, we are also called to be holy in all our conduct (1 Peter 1:16).
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

  • Exodus 19:22 (22 votes)

    And let the priests also, which come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break forth upon them.

  • Leviticus 21:6 (12 votes)

    They shall be holy unto their God, and not profane the name of their God: for the offerings of the LORD made by fire, [and] the bread of their God, they do offer: therefore they shall be holy.

  • Isaiah 49:3 (12 votes)

    And said unto me, Thou [art] my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.

  • Numbers 20:12 (11 votes)

    And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.

  • Deuteronomy 32:51 (8 votes)

    Because ye trespassed against me among the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah-Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin; because ye sanctified me not in the midst of the children of Israel.

  • 1 Chronicles 15:12 (8 votes)

    And said unto them, Ye [are] the chief of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, [both] ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel unto [the place that] I have prepared for it.

  • 1 Chronicles 15:13 (8 votes)

    For because ye [did it] not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order.