“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.”
Context and Background:Leviticus 16 provides instructions for the Day of Atonement, a sacred annual event in the Israelite religious calendar. The Day of Atonement was a time when the high priest, Aaron, entered the Most Holy Place in the Tabernacle or later in the Temple to make atonement for the sins of the people of Israel.
The Holy Place and the Mercy Seat:The “holy place within the vail” refers to the innermost part of the Tabernacle or later the Temple. It was a sacred area separated by a veil or curtain. Within this holy place was the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments. On top of the Ark was the mercy seat, which was a solid gold cover with two cherubim facing each other. The mercy seat was the place where God’s presence would manifest itself.
The Significance of God’s Instruction:God’s command to Aaron not to enter the holy place at all times emphasized the sacredness and reverence required in approaching God’s presence. The high priest was allowed to enter the Most Holy Place only once a year on the Day of Atonement, following specific rituals and preparations. This restriction was in place to protect Aaron’s life, as God’s presence was so holy that coming before Him without proper authorization and preparation could result in death.
God’s Manifestation in the Cloud upon the Mercy Seat:The cloud mentioned in the verse symbolizes the presence of God. On the Day of Atonement, as the high priest entered the Most Holy Place, God would appear in the cloud above the mercy seat. This signified God’s acceptance of the high priest’s intercession and atonement on behalf of the people of Israel.
Application and Spiritual Lessons:
- Reverence and respect:Leviticus 16:2 reminds us of the importance of approaching God with reverence and respect. We should not take His presence lightly but recognize His holiness and honour Him accordingly.
- Atonement and forgiveness:The Day of Atonement pointed to the need for forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God. It foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who became the perfect atonement for our sins. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we can find forgiveness and restoration in our relationship with God.
- God’s presence among His people:The cloud above the mercy seat represents God’s desire to dwell among His people. It reminds us that God is present with us and desires a relationship with us. Through Jesus, we have access to God’s presence, and we can approach Him boldly.
- The significance of Jesus as our High Priest:In the New Testament, Jesus is described as our High Priest who offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. He entered the true Most Holy Place in heaven, not made with human hands, and obtained eternal redemption for us (Hebrews 9:11-12). Leviticus 16:2 points to Jesus’ role as our mediator and intercessor before God.
Overall, Leviticus 16:2 highlights the sacredness of God’s presence and the importance of proper approach and preparation when seeking Him. It also points to Jesus Christ, our High Priest, and His work of atonement on our behalf.
