Leviticus 10:13
You shall eat it in a holy place, because it is your share and your sons' share of the offerings made by fire to the LORD; for this is what I have been commanded.
You shall eat it
The directive to "eat it" refers to the consumption of the sacrificial offerings, specifically the portions designated for the priests. In the Hebrew context, the act of eating is not merely a physical necessity but a sacred duty. The Hebrew word for "eat" (אָכַל, 'akal) implies a communal and covenantal act, signifying participation in the divine provision and sustenance. This consumption is an act of obedience and reverence, acknowledging God's provision and the priestly role in mediating between God and Israel.

in a holy place
The phrase "in a holy place" underscores the sanctity required in the consumption of the offerings. The Hebrew term for "holy" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh) denotes something set apart for divine purposes. The holy place, likely the tabernacle or a designated area within the sanctuary, is where the presence of God dwells. Eating in this sacred space signifies the priests' unique relationship with God and their role in maintaining the holiness of the community.

because it is your portion and your sons’ portion
The "portion" (חֵלֶק, cheleq) refers to the share of the offerings allocated to the priests and their families. This allocation is a divine provision for those who serve in the temple, emphasizing God's care and sustenance for His servants. The inclusion of "your sons’ portion" highlights the hereditary nature of the priesthood and the continuity of God's provision across generations, ensuring that the priestly line is sustained.

from the fire offerings to the LORD
The "fire offerings" (אִשֶּׁה, ishsheh) are sacrifices made by fire, symbolizing the complete dedication and consecration to God. These offerings, consumed by fire, represent the people's devotion and atonement. The priests' consumption of a portion signifies their role in facilitating this divine-human interaction, acting as intermediaries who partake in the sacred act of offering to God.

for this is what I have been commanded
The phrase "I have been commanded" (צִוָּה, tzivah) reflects the divine authority behind the instructions given to the priests. This command underscores the importance of obedience to God's directives, which are not arbitrary but purposeful, ensuring the proper functioning of the sacrificial system and the maintenance of holiness. The priests' adherence to these commands is a testament to their faithfulness and dedication to their divine calling.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Aaron
The high priest and brother of Moses, responsible for the priestly duties and rituals.

2. Nadab and Abihu
Sons of Aaron who were struck down by God for offering unauthorized fire before the Lord.

3. Moses
The leader of the Israelites and the one who conveyed God's laws and commands to the people.

4. The Tabernacle
The holy place where the Israelites worshiped and where the priests performed their duties.

5. Offerings Made by Fire
Sacrifices presented to God, which were a central part of Israelite worship and priestly duties.
Teaching Points
Holiness in Service
The command to eat in a holy place underscores the importance of maintaining holiness in our service to God. As believers, we are called to approach our spiritual duties with reverence and purity.

Provision and Responsibility
The portion given to the priests signifies God's provision for those who serve Him. It reminds us that God provides for our needs as we fulfill our responsibilities in His service.

Obedience to God's Commands
The phrase "for this is what I have been commanded" highlights the necessity of obedience in our walk with God. We are to follow His instructions faithfully, trusting in His wisdom and authority.

Sacredness of Worship
The consumption of offerings in a holy place points to the sacredness of worship. Our worship should be conducted with a heart of reverence, acknowledging the holiness of God.

Priestly Identity of Believers
As a royal priesthood, Christians are called to live out their faith with the same dedication and holiness expected of the Old Testament priests, serving God and others with integrity.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the command to eat in a holy place reflect the importance of holiness in our daily lives and service to God?

2. In what ways does God's provision for the priests encourage us to trust in His provision for our needs today?

3. How can we apply the principle of obedience to God's commands in our modern context, especially when faced with cultural pressures?

4. What are some practical ways we can ensure that our worship remains sacred and reverent in our personal and communal settings?

5. How does understanding our identity as a royal priesthood influence the way we live out our faith and serve others in our communities?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 6:16-18
Provides further instructions on the consumption of offerings by the priests, emphasizing the holiness and sanctity of the act.

1 Samuel 2:12-17
Contrasts the faithful observance of priestly duties with the sinful actions of Eli's sons, who disrespected the offerings.

Hebrews 13:10
Discusses the spiritual altar from which believers partake, drawing a parallel to the priestly consumption of offerings.

1 Peter 2:9
Describes believers as a royal priesthood, connecting the Old Testament priestly duties to the New Testament calling of all Christians.

Matthew 5:17
Jesus' fulfillment of the Law, which includes the sacrificial system and its deeper spiritual significance.
Submission in BereavementR.M. Edgar Leviticus 10:3-7, 12-20
Ministers to be Examples of PurityR.A. Redford Leviticus 10:8-20
The Eating of the Holy ThingsJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 10:12-15
The Spirit of ObedienceW. Clarkson Leviticus 10:12-20
People
Aaron, Abihu, Eleazar, Elzaphan, Israelites, Ithamar, Mishael, Moses, Nadab, Uzziel
Places
Teman
Topics
Commanded, Due, Eat, Eaten, Fire, Fire-offerings, Holy, Lord's, Moreover, Offerings, Ordered, Portion, Sacrifices, Share, Sons, Thus
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 10:12-13

     8270   holiness, set apart

Leviticus 10:12-15

     4476   meals

Library
Strange Fire
'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. 2. And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord. 3. 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. 4. And Moses called Mishael
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

December the Thirteenth the Holy and the Profane
"Put difference between the holy and the unholy." --LEVITICUS x. 1-10. The peril of our day is that so many of these differences are growing faint. The holy merges into the unholy, and we can scarcely see the dividing line. Black merges into white through manifold shades of grey. Falsehood slopes into truth through cunning expediences and white lies. Lust merges into purity through conviviality and geniality and good-fellowship. So is one thing losing itself in another, and vivid moral distinctions
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory.
Who is like unto Thee, O Lord! among the gods? Who is like unto Thee, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders? Thou in Thy mercy hast led Thy people which Thou hast redeemed: Thou hast guided them in Thy strength to the habitation of Thy holiness ... The holy place, O Lord, which Thy hands have established.' --Ex. xv. 11-17. In these words we have another step in advance in the revelation of Holiness. We have here for the first time Holiness predicated of God Himself. He
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Brief Directions How to Read the Holy Scriptures once Every Year Over, with Ease, Profit, and Reverence.
But forasmuch, that as faith is the soul, so reading and meditating on the word of God, are the parent's of prayer, therefore, before thou prayest in the morning, first read a chapter in the word of God; then meditate awhile with thyself, how many excellent things thou canst remember out of it. As--First, what good counsels or exhortations to good works and to holy life. Secondly, what threatenings of judgments against such and such a sin; and what fearful examples of God's punishment or vengeance
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Value of this Doctrine
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). "Doctrine" means "teaching,"
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

The Third Commandment
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.' Exod 20: 7. This commandment has two parts: 1. A negative expressed, that we must not take God's name in vain; that is, cast any reflections and dishonour on his name. 2. An affirmative implied. That we should take care to reverence and honour his name. Of this latter I shall speak more fully, under the first petition in the Lord's Prayer, Hallowed be thy name.' I shall
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Right Understanding of the Law
Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Before I come to the commandments, I shall answer questions, and lay down rules respecting the moral law. What is the difference between the moral laud and the gospel? (1) The law requires that we worship God as our Creator; the gospel, that we worship him in and through Christ. God in Christ is propitious; out of him we may see God's power, justice, and holiness: in him we see his mercy displayed. (2) The moral law requires obedience, but gives
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

No Sorrow Like Messiah's Sorrow
Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Behold, and see, if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow! A lthough the Scriptures of the Old Testament, the law of Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophecies (Luke 24:44) , bear an harmonious testimony to MESSIAH ; it is not necessary to suppose that every single passage has an immediate and direct relation to Him. A method of exposition has frequently obtained [frequently been in vogue], of a fanciful and allegorical cast [contrivance], under the pretext
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Man's Chief End
Q-I: WHAT IS THE CHIEF END OF MAN? A: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever. Here are two ends of life specified. 1: The glorifying of God. 2: The enjoying of God. I. The glorifying of God, I Pet 4:4: That God in all things may be glorified.' The glory of God is a silver thread which must run through all our actions. I Cor 10:01. Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.' Everything works to some end in things natural and artificial;
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Second Commandment
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.' Exod 20: 4-6. I. Thou shalt not
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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