“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.”
This verse comes in the context of the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests before the Lord. In Leviticus 10, we witness an event where two of Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, and as a result, they were consumed by fire from God.
Let’s break down the verse and explore its meaning:
“Then Moses said unto Aaron”: After the tragic incident involving Nadab and Abihu, Moses addresses Aaron, who had just witnessed the judgment of God on his sons. Moses is consoling Aaron and providing him with an explanation.
“This is it that the LORD spake, saying”: Moses is reminding Aaron that what has just occurred was a fulfillment of something the Lord had previously spoken. It indicates that God had forewarned of the consequences of offering unauthorized fire before Him.
“I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified”: This statement highlights an important principle regarding approaching God and worshiping Him. God expects His people to approach Him with reverence, respect, and obedience. The phrase “I will be sanctified” means that God desires to be regarded as holy and set apart. The Lord expects those who come near Him, particularly the priests, to honor His holiness and display reverence in their worship. Similarly, the phrase “before all the people I will be glorified” emphasizes that God’s holiness and glory are to be revealed not only in the presence of the priests but also before the entire community.
“And Aaron held his peace”: Aaron, upon hearing Moses’ explanation, remains silent. This response signifies his acceptance of God’s judgment and his acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty.
The incident of Nadab and Abihu serves as a solemn reminder of the seriousness of approaching God in a manner contrary to His instructions. It teaches us that God desires sincere worship and obedience from His people. The consequences of Nadab and Abihu’s actions underscore the importance of adhering to God’s commands and honoring His holiness.
As we reflect on this passage, we are reminded to approach God with reverence, recognizing His holiness, and offering Him the worship He deserves. It also encourages us to carefully follow God’s instructions and seek to glorify Him in our lives.
