“And Aaron said unto Moses, Behold, this day have they offered their sin offering and their burnt offering before the LORD; and such things have befallen me: and if I had eaten the sin offering to day, should it have been accepted in the sight of the LORD?”
Context: Leviticus is the third book of the Bible and primarily focuses on the laws and regulations given by God to the Israelites through Moses. Leviticus 10:19 is part of the narrative about the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests.
Sin Offering and Burnt Offering: In this verse, Aaron is speaking to Moses about the sin offering and burnt offering that were made before the Lord. The sin offering was made to atone for sins committed, while the burnt offering was a voluntary offering of complete devotion and surrender to God.
Personal Tragedy: Aaron mentions that certain things have befallen him on that day, possibly referring to the deaths of his two sons, Nadab and Abihu, as recorded earlier in Leviticus 10:1-2. Despite the tragic events, Aaron acknowledges that the sin offering and burnt offering were presented before the Lord as commanded.
The Acceptance of Offerings: Aaron raises a question, asking Moses if it would have been acceptable in the sight of the Lord if he had eaten the sin offering on that day. This suggests that Aaron, as the high priest, was uncertain whether participating in the sin offering meal would be appropriate in light of the recent events.
Reverence and Respect: Aaron’s question demonstrates his recognition of the holiness of the sin offering and his desire to ensure that everything is done in accordance with God’s instructions. It reveals his awareness of the seriousness of their role as priests and their need to approach God with reverence.
The Importance of Obedience: This verse highlights the importance of obedience and adherence to God’s commands, even in the midst of personal difficulties or tragedies. Aaron’s hesitation to consume the sin offering shows his commitment to honoring God’s requirements above personal desires.
Lessons for Christians: While the Levitical priesthood and the ceremonial laws described in Leviticus are not applicable to Christians today, this verse can still teach us valuable lessons. We can learn from Aaron’s commitment to obedience and his recognition of the need for reverence and respect in our approach to God.
In summary, Leviticus 10:19 emphasizes Aaron’s acknowledgment of the tragic events that occurred, his commitment to offering the required sacrifices, and his concern for doing things in accordance with God’s instructions. It reminds us of the importance of obedience and reverence in our relationship with God.
