He is to put the incense on the fire before the LORD, and the cloud of incense will cover the mercy seat above the Testimony, so that he will not die. He is to put the incense on the fireThis phrase refers to the high priest's duty on the Day of Atonement. The Hebrew word for "incense" is "קְטֹרֶת" (qetoret), which signifies a fragrant offering. Incense in the ancient Near East was often associated with prayer and the presence of the divine. The act of placing incense on the fire symbolizes the prayers of the people rising to God, creating a sacred atmosphere. The fire represents God's holiness and purifying presence, emphasizing the need for the priest to approach with reverence and obedience. before the LORD
The phrase "before the LORD" indicates the presence of God, specifically in the Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the Covenant resided. The Hebrew term "לִפְנֵי יְהוָה" (lifnei YHWH) underscores the direct encounter with God's holiness. This setting is a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where the priest acts as a mediator. The presence of the LORD is both awe-inspiring and fearsome, requiring the priest to follow divine instructions meticulously. and the cloud of incense will cover the mercy seat
The "cloud of incense" is a visual representation of God's glory and presence. The Hebrew word for "cloud" is "עָנָן" (anan), which often signifies divine presence, as seen in the pillar of cloud that guided the Israelites. The "mercy seat," or "כַּפֹּרֶת" (kapporet), is the cover of the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's throne on earth. The covering of the mercy seat with incense signifies the barrier between God's holiness and human sinfulness, allowing the priest to stand in God's presence without being consumed. above the Testimony
The "Testimony" refers to the tablets of the Ten Commandments housed within the Ark. The Hebrew word "עֵדוּת" (edut) signifies a witness or covenant. This highlights the centrality of God's law in the life of Israel and the need for atonement when the law is broken. The mercy seat above the Testimony signifies God's mercy triumphing over judgment, providing a way for reconciliation. so that he will not die
This phrase underscores the seriousness of approaching God's holiness. The Hebrew "וְלֹא יָמוּת" (velo yamut) is a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience or irreverence. The high priest's life depended on strict adherence to God's commands, illustrating the gravity of sin and the necessity of atonement. This serves as a powerful reminder of the holiness of God and the need for a mediator, ultimately pointing to Christ as the perfect High Priest who intercedes on our behalf. Persons / Places / Events 1. AaronThe high priest who performs the rituals on the Day of Atonement, including the burning of incense. 2. The LORDThe God of Israel, who commands the rituals and whose presence is symbolized by the mercy seat. 3. The Mercy SeatThe cover of the Ark of the Covenant, representing God's throne and presence among His people. 4. The TestimonyRefers to the tablets of the Ten Commandments inside the Ark, symbolizing God's covenant with Israel. 5. The Day of AtonementAn annual event where the high priest makes atonement for the sins of Israel, entering the Holy of Holies. Teaching Points The Holiness of GodThe need for incense to cover the mercy seat highlights God's holiness and the separation between God and sinful humanity. The Role of the High PriestAaron's actions prefigure Christ's role as our High Priest, who intercedes on our behalf. The Importance of ObedienceThe specific instructions for the incense offering emphasize the importance of following God's commands precisely. Symbolism of IncenseIncense represents prayer and worship, reminding believers of the importance of approaching God with reverence. Atonement and ForgivenessThe Day of Atonement points to the ultimate atonement through Jesus Christ, encouraging believers to seek forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the role of the high priest in Leviticus 16:13 foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ as described in the New Testament? 2. What does the use of incense in the Holy of Holies teach us about the nature of prayer and worship today? 3. In what ways does the mercy seat symbolize God's presence and how can this understanding impact our daily walk with God? 4. How can the concept of atonement in Leviticus 16:13 deepen our appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus? 5. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our worship and prayers are offered with the reverence and obedience exemplified in this passage? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 30:1-10Describes the altar of incense and its use, connecting the incense offering to the presence of God. Hebrews 9:3-5Discusses the Holy of Holies and the mercy seat, providing a New Testament perspective on these Old Testament symbols. Revelation 8:3-4Illustrates the incense as the prayers of the saints, showing a continuity of the symbolism of incense in worship. | The Climax of Sacrificial Worship: the Day of Atonement | R.M. Edgar | Leviticus 16:1-34 | | The Great Day of Atonement | R.A. Redford | Leviticus 16:1-34 | | Type and Antitype - the Priest | W. Clarkson | Leviticus 16:2-17 | | A Proffered Substitute | W. Thompson. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Christ Typified by the Two Goats | J. Burns, D. D. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Christian's Confession of Sin | Spurgeon, Charles Haddon | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Christ's Anesthesia for the Remembrance of Sin | | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Hindrances to Repentance Removed | J. Spencer. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Intercession of Christ | S. Thodey. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Lessons | A. Willet, D. D. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Moral Observations | A. Willet, D. D. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Moses and Christ; the Day of Atonement | W. Clarkson, B. A. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Need for the Great Atonement | J. Hamilton, D. D. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Sinners Always Ready to Conceal Their Sin | T. Adams. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Spiritual Significance of the Ceremonies on the Day of Atonement | T. M. Morris. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Annual Atonement | Spurgeon, Charles Haddon | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Ceremonies of the Day of Atonement | F. E. Clark. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Climax of Sacrificial Worship | R. M.,Edgar, M. A. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Day of Atonement | Spurgeon, Charles Haddon | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Day of Atonement | D. O. Mears. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Day of Atonement | D. C. Hughes, M. A. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Day of Atonement | H. Melvill, B. D. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Day of Atonement | J. A. Seiss, D. D. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Garments of the Priest | F. E. Clark. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Two Goats | F. E. Clark. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Two Goats -- Various Interpretations | J. Cumming, D. D. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | There Shalt be no Man in the Tabernacle | H. C. Trumbull. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | True Repentance | H. W. Beecher. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Trusting in the Substitute | | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | Value of Repentance | J. Spencer. | Leviticus 16:3-34 | | The Sacrifices of the Day of Atonement | J.A. Macdonald | Leviticus 16:5-28 | | Type and Antitype - the Offering | W. Clarkson | Leviticus 16:7-10, 15, 21, 22 |
People Aaron, Israelites, MosesPlaces TemanTopics Ark, Ark-cover, Atonement, Cloud, Conceal, Cover, Covered, Death, Die, Dieth, Fire, Incense, Lest, Mercy, Mercy-seat, Order, Otherwise, Overtake, Perfume, Seat, Smoke, TestimonyDictionary of Bible Themes Leviticus 16:13 4805 clouds
4848 smoke Leviticus 16:1-22 7316 blood, OT sacrifices Leviticus 16:1-33 6616 atonement, in OT Leviticus 16:1-34 1680 types
7422 ritual Leviticus 16:2-34 5378 law, OT Leviticus 16:3-34 6648 expiation
8629 worship, times Leviticus 16:6-19 7308 Atonement, Day of Leviticus 16:11-14 4615 bull Leviticus 16:12-13 4318 coal Leviticus 16:12-17 6606 access to God Leviticus 16:13-15 7306 ark of the covenant 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 Links Leviticus 16:13 NIVLeviticus 16:13 NLTLeviticus 16:13 ESVLeviticus 16:13 NASBLeviticus 16:13 KJV
Leviticus 16:13 Commentaries
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