Leviticus 16:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered before the LORD, and died;

And the LORD {H3068} spake {H1696} unto Moses {H4872} after {H310} the death {H4194} of the two {H8147} sons {H1121} of Aaron {H175}, when they offered {H7126} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, and died {H4191};

ADONAI spoke with Moshe after the death of Aharon's two sons, when they tried to sacrifice before ADONAI and died;

Now the LORD spoke to Moses after the death of two of Aaron’s sons when they approached the presence of the LORD.

And Jehovah spake unto Moses, after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they drew near before Jehovah, and died;

Commentary

Leviticus 16:1 serves as a solemn introduction to the most sacred day in ancient Israel, the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). This verse immediately grounds the elaborate rituals that follow in a stark reminder of God's absolute holiness and the severe consequences of approaching Him improperly.

Context

The phrase "after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered before the LORD, and died" directly references the tragic event recorded in Leviticus 10:1-2. Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron the High Priest, offered "strange fire" (unauthorized fire) before the Lord, resulting in their immediate consumption by divine fire. This incident underscored the immense danger of treating God's presence and commands lightly, even for those in privileged positions. Therefore, the instructions for the Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16 are not merely ceremonial procedures but life-and-death protocols designed to ensure that the High Priest, and through him, the nation, could safely approach a holy God and receive atonement for their sins.

Key Themes

  • God's Uncompromising Holiness: The verse emphasizes that God is not to be trifled with. His holiness demands reverence and strict adherence to His commands regarding worship. The death of Nadab and Abihu served as a stark warning.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: Improper worship and disobedience to divine instruction have severe, even fatal, consequences. This principle highlights the importance of obedience in all aspects of faith.
  • Necessity of Atonement: The tragic backdrop sets the stage for the intricate rituals of the Day of Atonement, demonstrating humanity's desperate need for a divinely ordained means of reconciliation with God. It foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice for sin.
  • Divine Grace through Instruction: Despite the severity of judgment, God immediately provides detailed instructions for proper worship and atonement, demonstrating His desire for His people to have a way to approach Him safely and be cleansed.

Linguistic Insight

While not directly in Leviticus 16:1, the "strange fire" (Hebrew: 'esh zarah - אֵשׁ זָרָה) mentioned in the context of Nadab and Abihu's death (Leviticus 10:1) is crucial for understanding this verse. 'Esh zarah signifies fire that was "unauthorized," "foreign," or "not commanded" by the Lord. It was not merely fire from a different source, but fire offered in a manner or at a time not prescribed by God, highlighting that true worship must align with divine prescription, not human innovation or convenience.

Practical Application

Leviticus 16:1, with its solemn introduction, reminds believers today of the enduring truth of God's holiness and the seriousness with which we should approach Him. While Old Testament rituals have been fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 9:12), the principle of reverence and obedience remains vital. Our worship should be offered in spirit and truth (John 4:24), recognizing the immense privilege we have to approach God through the perfect atonement of Jesus Christ. This verse prompts us to reflect on the purity of our motives and the sincerity of our obedience in our walk with God.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 10:1 (9 votes)

    ¶ And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.

  • Leviticus 10:2 (9 votes)

    And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.