“And the LORD said unto Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy father’s house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary: and thou and thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood.”
Context:The book of Numbers is the fourth book in the Bible and continues the narrative of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after their deliverance from Egypt. The previous chapters of Numbers primarily focus on the organisation and responsibilities of the Levites and the priests. In Numbers 17, God establishes the priesthood of Aaron and his sons by performing a miracle with Aaron’s rod. Numbers 18 elaborates on the duties and privileges of the priests and Levites.
The Iniquity of the Sanctuary:In Numbers 18:1, the Lord instructs Aaron, the high priest, that he and his sons, along with his father’s house, will bear the iniquity of the sanctuary. The term “iniquity” refers to the sins, transgressions, or guilt associated with the sanctuary. The sanctuary was a holy place where the Israelites worshiped God, offered sacrifices, and sought His presence. However, because the sanctuary was a focal point of worship and symbolised God’s presence among His people, it was essential to maintain its sanctity.
The Responsibility of the Priests:Aaron and his sons, who were consecrated as priests, were given the responsibility of maintaining the sanctity of the sanctuary. They were accountable for any defilement or wrongdoing that might occur within its confines. This accountability extended beyond Aaron to his sons and his entire family. It was a solemn reminder of the seriousness of their role and the need for them to be faithful and diligent in their service to God and the people.
Symbolic Representation:The concept of the priests bearing the iniquity of the sanctuary can be understood symbolically. It signifies that the priests were to take responsibility for the spiritual condition of the people and the place of worship. They were to intercede on behalf of the people, offering sacrifices and seeking forgiveness for their sins. By bearing the iniquity, they were acting as mediators between God and the people, bridging the gap caused by sin.
Application to Believers Today:While this passage specifically addresses the responsibilities of the Aaronic priesthood in the Old Testament, there are several applications for believers today:
- Responsibility and Accountability: Just as Aaron and his sons were accountable for the sanctuary, Christians are called to take responsibility for the spiritual condition of their lives and their places of worship. We should strive to maintain a pure and holy relationship with God, confessing our sins and seeking forgiveness when we fall short.
- Intercession and Mediation: The role of the priests in bearing the iniquity also highlights the importance of intercession and mediation in the lives of believers. As followers of Christ, we have been called to be a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) and to intercede for others, lifting them up in prayer and pointing them towards God’s forgiveness and grace.
- Christ’s Ultimate Sacrifice: The priestly role of bearing the iniquity finds its ultimate fulfilment in Jesus Christ. He became the ultimate High Priest who bore the sins of humanity upon Himself, offering His life as a sacrifice for our salvation. Through His sacrifice, He bridged the gap between God and humanity, providing a way for us to be reconciled to God.
