This verse from Leviticus 10:17 refers to a specific incident involving Aaron's sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, who did not eat the sin offering as instructed. Let's break down the meaning:
"Why haven’t you eaten the sin offering in the place of the sanctuary...?" This is a question posed by Moses, expressing his surprise and disapproval. The sin offering was supposed to be eaten by the priests in the designated holy place within the sanctuary.
"...since it is most holy..." This emphasizes the sacredness of the sin offering. Because it deals with sin, it had to be treated with utmost reverence and consumed only in the sanctified location.
"...and he has given it to you to bear the iniquity of the congregation..." This explains the purpose of the priests eating the sin offering. By consuming the portion of the sacrifice, the priests symbolically took upon themselves the sins of the people.
"...to make atonement for them before Yahweh?" This further clarifies the priestly role. Through their actions related to the sin offering, including eating part of it, they were helping to cleanse the congregation from their sins and restore their relationship with God (Yahweh). The act of eating the offering contributed to the process of atonement (covering or expiating sin).
In essence, the verse highlights the following points:
The Priests' Responsibility: The priests had a specific responsibility in the atonement process.
Symbolic Action: Eating the sin offering was a symbolic act of bearing the people's iniquity.
Atonement: This action was essential for making atonement and restoring the people's relationship with God.
Disobedience: The verse implies that Eleazar and Ithamar failed in their duty by not eating the sin offering as commanded. This resulted in Moses questioning their actions.
Context and Significance:
This verse is part of a larger narrative where Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, offered unauthorized fire before the Lord and were consumed by fire (Leviticus 10:1-2). This tragic event may have impacted Eleazar and Ithamar, causing them to be hesitant or fearful in performing their priestly duties. Moses' question suggests that their failure to eat the sin offering was a serious matter that could compromise the atonement process for the congregation. Their actions, even if born out of grief or fear, were a deviation from God's prescribed method for dealing with sin.
This verse from Leviticus 10:17 refers to a specific incident involving Aaron's sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, who did not eat the sin offering as instructed. Let's break down the meaning:
"Why haven’t you eaten the sin offering in the place of the sanctuary...?" This is a question posed by Moses, expressing his surprise and disapproval. The sin offering was supposed to be eaten by the priests in the designated holy place within the sanctuary.
"...since it is most holy..." This emphasizes the sacredness of the sin offering. Because it deals with sin, it had to be treated with utmost reverence and consumed only in the sanctified location.
"...and he has given it to you to bear the iniquity of the congregation..." This explains the purpose of the priests eating the sin offering. By consuming the portion of the sacrifice, the priests symbolically took upon themselves the sins of the people.
"...to make atonement for them before Yahweh?" This further clarifies the priestly role. Through their actions related to the sin offering, including eating part of it, they were helping to cleanse the congregation from their sins and restore their relationship with God (Yahweh). The act of eating the offering contributed to the process of atonement (covering or expiating sin).
In essence, the verse highlights the following points:
The Priests' Responsibility: The priests had a specific responsibility in the atonement process.
Symbolic Action: Eating the sin offering was a symbolic act of bearing the people's iniquity.
Atonement: This action was essential for making atonement and restoring the people's relationship with God.
Disobedience: The verse implies that Eleazar and Ithamar failed in their duty by not eating the sin offering as commanded. This resulted in Moses questioning their actions.
Context and Significance:
This verse is part of a larger narrative where Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, offered unauthorized fire before the Lord and were consumed by fire (Leviticus 10:1-2). This tragic event may have impacted Eleazar and Ithamar, causing them to be hesitant or fearful in performing their priestly duties. Moses' question suggests that their failure to eat the sin offering was a serious matter that could compromise the atonement process for the congregation. Their actions, even if born out of grief or fear, were a deviation from God's prescribed method for dealing with sin.