“And Moses spake unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons that were left, Take the meat offering that remaineth of the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and eat it without leaven beside the altar: for it is most holy.”
Leviticus is part of the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Pentateuch. It contains various laws, rituals, and instructions given by God to the Israelites through Moses. Leviticus 10:12 specifically addresses the consumption of a particular type of offering, namely the meat offering, which is also referred to as the grain offering or meal offering.
In this verse, Moses is speaking to Aaron, the high priest, and his two surviving sons, Eleazar and Ithamar. The context of this passage is immediately after the tragic event of the deaths of Aaron’s two other sons, Nadab and Abihu. They had offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, resulting in their deaths (Leviticus 10:1-2). Moses then instructs Aaron and his remaining sons regarding their responsibilities as priests.
The verse instructs Aaron and his sons to take the remaining meat offering from the offerings made by fire to the Lord and eat it without leaven beside the altar. Leaven, in this context, symbolizes impurity or sin. The absence of leaven signifies the requirement for purity in the consumption of this offering.
The meat offering, although referred to as a “meat” offering, primarily consisted of grain, such as fine flour or unleavened cakes. It could be mixed with oil and frankincense, representing the dedication and aroma pleasing to God. The offering was partly burnt on the altar, and the remainder was eaten by the priests in a holy place (Leviticus 6:16-18). This practice was a means of sustenance for the priests and their families.
The emphasis on the holiness of the offering indicates the sanctity of this act. The priests were required to consume the offering with reverence, recognizing its special nature and its connection to the worship of God. By partaking in the offering, the priests were symbolically entering into communion with God, acknowledging their dependence on Him for sustenance and their role in the priesthood.
Leviticus 10:12 reminds us of the importance of approaching God’s provisions and worship with reverence and purity. While the specific regulations outlined in Leviticus are not binding for Christians today, this passage serves as a reminder to honor God and approach Him with respect and gratitude. As believers, we can reflect on the dedication and devotion displayed by the priests in their role and draw lessons on how we can approach our own worship and relationship with God.
