◄ Leviticus 16:1 ►
Now the LORD spoke to Moses after the death of two of Aaron's sons when they approached the presence of the LORD.
Study Bible
Now the LORD spoke
This phrase emphasizes the direct communication between God and Moses, a recurring theme throughout the Pentateuch. The Hebrew word for "spoke" is דִּבֶּר (dibber), which implies a formal and authoritative communication. This underscores the gravity and divine authority of the instructions that follow. In the conservative Christian perspective, this highlights the importance of God's Word as the ultimate guide for faith and practice.

to Moses
Moses is the central human figure in the Pentateuch, serving as the mediator between God and the Israelites. His role as a prophet and leader is crucial, as he conveys God's laws and instructions to the people. The mention of Moses here reinforces his unique position and responsibility in guiding the Israelites according to God's will.

after the death of the two sons of Aaron
This phrase sets the context for the instructions that follow, linking them to a specific historical event. The death of Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, is recounted in Leviticus 10:1-2, where they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD. This tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him in worship. It underscores the need for reverence and obedience in the presence of God.

who died when they approached the presence of the LORD
The phrase "approached the presence of the LORD" refers to the act of coming near to God, particularly in the context of worship and sacrifice. The Hebrew word for "presence" is פָּנִים (panim), often translated as "face," indicating a direct encounter with God's holiness. The conservative Christian perspective views this as a powerful reminder of the need for purity and proper preparation when entering into God's presence. It highlights the seriousness of worship and the necessity of following God's prescribed ways, as later detailed in the Day of Atonement rituals in Leviticus 16. This serves as a foreshadowing of the ultimate atonement through Jesus Christ, who provides the way for believers to approach God with confidence.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who communicates His laws and instructions to His people through Moses.

2. Moses
The prophet and leader of Israel, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and to mediate His laws.

3. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel, responsible for performing sacred duties in the Tabernacle.

4. The two sons of Aaron (Nadab and Abihu)
They died because they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, highlighting the seriousness of approaching God improperly.

5. The Tabernacle
The sacred place where God's presence dwelt among His people, and where the priests performed their duties.
Teaching Points
Reverence for God's Holiness
The death of Aaron's sons serves as a sobering reminder of the holiness of God and the need for reverence and obedience in worship.

The Role of the Mediator
Moses acts as a mediator between God and the people, foreshadowing the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ, who intercedes on our behalf.

The Importance of Obedience
The incident underscores the importance of adhering to God's instructions, especially in matters of worship and service.

God's Provision for Atonement
The context of Leviticus 16 introduces the Day of Atonement, highlighting God's provision for dealing with sin and maintaining a relationship with His people.

Approaching God with the Right Heart
The passage encourages believers to examine their hearts and motives when approaching God, ensuring they do so with humility and sincerity.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the death of Aaron's sons teach us about the nature of God's holiness and the seriousness of sin?

2. How does the role of Moses as a mediator in this passage point to the work of Jesus Christ in the New Testament?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our worship and service to God are in line with His instructions and desires?

4. How does the concept of atonement in Leviticus 16 relate to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross?

5. What practical steps can we take to approach God with reverence and the right heart attitude in our daily lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 10:1-2
This passage provides the background for Leviticus 16:1, detailing the incident where Nadab and Abihu offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, resulting in their death.

Hebrews 9:7
This New Testament verse connects to the Day of Atonement, which is the context of Leviticus 16, emphasizing the high priest's role in entering the Most Holy Place once a year with blood.

Exodus 28:1
This verse establishes Aaron and his sons as priests, setting the stage for the events in Leviticus 16.

Numbers 3:4
This passage reiterates the death of Nadab and Abihu, emphasizing the importance of following God's commands in worship.
Sermons
The Day of AtonementAlexander MaclarenLeviticus 16:1
The Peril of PrivilegeW. Clarkson Leviticus 16:1, 2
The High Priest on the Day of AtonementJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 16:1-4
The Climax of Sacrificial Worship: the Day of AtonementR.M. Edgar Leviticus 16:1-34
The Great Day of AtonementR.A. Redford Leviticus 16:1-34
People
Aaron, Israelites, Moses
Places
Teman
Topics
Aaron, Approached, Death, Die, Died, Drawing, Drew, Fire, Offered, Overtook, Presence, Sons, Spake, Speaketh, Spoke, Strange
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 16:1-4

     7377   high priest, OT

Leviticus 16:1-22

     7316   blood, OT sacrifices

Leviticus 16:1-33

     6616   atonement, in OT

Leviticus 16:1-34

     1680   types
     6027   sin, remedy for
     7422   ritual
     7444   sin offering

Library
August 9. "He Shall Lay Both his Hands Upon the Head of the Live Goat, and Confess Over Him all the Iniquities of the Children of Israel; Transgressions and Sins" (Lev. xvi. 21).
"He shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel; transgressions and sins" (Lev. xvi. 21). As any evil comes up, and the consciousness of any unholy thing touches our inner senses, it is our privilege at once to hand it over to the Holy Ghost and to lay it upon Jesus, as something already crucified with Him, and as of old, in the case of the sin offering, it will be carried without the camp and burned to ashes. There may …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Day of Atonement
'And the Lord spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron when they offered before the Lord, and died; 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. 3. Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place; with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering. 4. He shall put on the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Day of Atonement
Now, I shall invite your attention to the ceremonies of this solemn day, taking the different parts in detail. First, we shall consider the person who made the atonement; secondly, the sacrifice whereby the atonement was typically made; thirdly, the effects of the atonement; and fourthly, our behaviour on the recollection of the atonement, as well set forth by the conduct prescribed to the Israelites on that day. I. First, THE PERSON WHO WAS TO MAKE THE ATONEMENT. And at the outset, we remark that …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Foreshadowed in the Ritual on the Annual Day of Israel's Atonement.
The order of events on the Day of Atonement are described in Leviticus 16, a chapter which is exceedingly rich in its typical signification. The Day of Atonement had to do with the putting away of Israel's sins, therefore, its dispensational application refers mainly to Israel though, as we shall see, the Church was also typically represented. We shall not now attempt anything more than a bare outline of the happenings of that most memorable day on Israel's sacred calendar. The order of its ritual …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

The Great High-Priest.
"Having then a great High-priest, Who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high-priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but One that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need. For every high-priest, being taken from among men, is appointed for …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

Fifth Sunday in Lent
Text: Hebrews 9, 11-15. 11 But Christ having come a high priest of the good things to come, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation, 12 nor yet through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, entered in once for all into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling them that have been defiled, sanctify unto the cleanness of the flesh: …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Parable of the Pharisee and Publican.
^C Luke XVIII. 9-14. ^c 9 And he spake also this parable unto certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and set all others at nought [It is commonly said that this parable teaches humility in prayer, but the preface and conclusion (see verse 14) show that it is indeed to set forth generally the difference between self-righteousness and humility, and that an occasion of prayer is chosen because it best illustrates the point which the Lord desired to teach. The parable shows that …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Intercession of Christ
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us! T he Redemption of the soul is precious. Fools make mock of sin (Proverbs 14:9) . But they will not think lightly of it, who duly consider the majesty, authority, and goodness of Him, against whom it is committed; and who are taught, by what God actually has done, what sin rendered necessary to be done, before a sinner could have a well-grounded …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

The Call of Matthew - the Saviour's Welcome to Sinners - Rabbinic Theology as Regards the Doctrine of Forgiveness in Contrast to the Gospel of Christ
In two things chiefly does the fundamental difference appear between Christianity and all other religious systems, notably Rabbinism. And in these two things, therefore, lies the main characteristic of Christ's work; or, taking a wider view, the fundamental idea of all religions. Subjectively, they concern sin and the sinner; or, to put it objectively, the forgiveness of sin and the welcome to the sinner. But Rabbinism, and every other system down to modern humanitarianism - if it rises so high in …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Sundry Exhortations.
HEBREWS xiii. Let love of the brethren continue. Forget not to shew love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; them that are evil entreated, as being yourselves also in the body. Let marriage be had in honour among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Be ye free from the love of money; content with such things as ye have: for Himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the Teaching of the Lord Concerning Purity - the Traditions Concerning Hand-Washing' and Vows. '
As we follow the narrative, confirmatory evidence of what had preceded springs up at almost every step. It is quite in accordance with the abrupt departure of Jesus from Capernaum, and its motives, that when, so far from finding rest and privacy at Bethsaida (east of the Jordan), a greater multitude than ever had there gathered around Him, which would fain have proclaimed Him King, He resolved on immediate return to the western shore, with the view of seeking a quieter retreat, even though it were …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Christ a Complete Saviour:
OR, THE INTERCESSION OF CHRIST, AND WHO ARE PRIVILEGED IN IT. BY JOHN BUNYAN Advertisement by the Editor. However strange it may appear, it is a solemn fact, that the heart of man, unless prepared by a sense of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, rejects Christ as a complete Saviour. The pride of human nature will not suffer it to fall, as helpless and utterly undone, into the arms of Divine mercy. Man prefers a partial Saviour; one who had done so much, that, with the sinner's aid, the work might be …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

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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