“And ye shall not go out from the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: for the anointing oil of the Lord is upon you. And they did according to the word of Moses.”
Context: Leviticus is the third book of the Old Testament and focuses on the laws and regulations given to the Israelites by God through Moses. Leviticus 10 describes the account of the deaths of Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, due to their unauthorized offering of incense before the Lord.
Setting: After the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests, they were given specific instructions regarding their roles and responsibilities in serving God in the tabernacle. However, Nadab and Abihu offered incense that was not prescribed by God, resulting in their deaths.
The warning: In Leviticus 10:7, God commands Aaron and his remaining sons not to leave the entrance of the tabernacle after the tragic event, lest they also die. The reason given is that the anointing oil of the Lord is upon them. This oil symbolized the consecration and set-apartness of the priests for their holy service to God.
Symbolism of the anointing oil: The anointing oil represented God’s empowerment and presence upon the priests. It signified their consecration, authority, and spiritual responsibility. By forbidding Aaron and his sons from leaving the tabernacle, God emphasized the seriousness of their role and the need for them to remain in the place of His anointing.
Obedience of Aaron and his sons: The verse concludes by stating that Aaron and his sons followed Moses’ command and stayed within the tabernacle. This demonstrates their obedience to the Lord’s instructions and their recognition of the importance of their roles as priests.
Lessons and Applications:
- Reverence for God: Leviticus 10:7 underscores the reverence and respect required when approaching God. The tragic consequences experienced by Nadab and Abihu serve as a reminder that God’s commands should be followed diligently, and worship should be offered according to His prescribed ways.
- Importance of obedience: Aaron and his sons’ obedience to Moses’ instruction teaches us the significance of heeding God’s commands. Obedience is crucial in our relationship with God and in carrying out the tasks He has entrusted to us.
- The weight of responsibility: The anointing oil on Aaron and his sons highlights the weight of their responsibility as priests. It reminds us that when we are chosen and anointed by God for a specific purpose, we should take that role seriously and fulfill it faithfully.
- Seeking God’s presence: The prohibition from leaving the tabernacle teaches us the value of dwelling in God’s presence. As believers, we should continually seek and remain in communion with God, recognizing His anointing and guidance in our lives.
In summary, Leviticus 10:7 emphasizes the importance of reverence, obedience, responsibility, and seeking God’s presence. It serves as a reminder that when we are anointed and called by God, we should faithfully fulfill our roles and abide by His instructions.
