Leviticus 16:2 - and Yahweh said to Moses, “Tell Aaron your brother, not to come at all times into the Most Holy Place within the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark; lest he die: for I will appear in the cloud on the mercy seat.
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What does "Leviticus 16:2" mean?
This verse from Leviticus 16:2 sets the stage for the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), a crucial ritual in ancient Israel. Let's break it down:
"and Yahweh said to Moses, “Tell Aaron your brother..." This establishes that God (Yahweh) is giving instructions to Moses, who is to relay them to his brother Aaron, the High Priest.
"...not to come at all times into the Most Holy Place within the veil..." The "Most Holy Place" (also known as the Holy of Holies) was the innermost sanctuary of the Tabernacle (and later, the Temple). It housed the Ark of the Covenant. A "veil" or curtain separated the Most Holy Place from the rest of the Tabernacle. Aaron, as High Priest, was prohibited from entering this sacred space whenever he pleased. The access was strictly limited.
"...before the mercy seat which is on the ark..." The "mercy seat" (also known as the "atonement cover") was the golden lid of the Ark of the Covenant. It was considered the place where God's presence was especially manifested.
"...lest he die: for I will appear in the cloud on the mercy seat." This is the crucial part. Unauthorized entry into the Most Holy Place could result in death for Aaron. This is because God's presence was so holy and powerful that it could be fatal to those who were not properly prepared and authorized. The verse states that God would "appear in the cloud on the mercy seat," emphasizing the divine presence and the danger of approaching it without proper reverence and purification.
In Summary:
This verse establishes a very specific and strict rule for the High Priest: he cannot enter the Most Holy Place whenever he wants. The reason is because God's presence is there on the mercy seat, and approaching God's presence without the proper ritual preparation would result in death. This verse sets the stage for the elaborate rituals and sacrifices that Aaron, as High Priest, must perform on the Day of Atonement to purify himself and the people of Israel before entering the Most Holy Place. It highlights the holiness of God, the seriousness of sin, and the need for atonement. It also reinforces the idea that access to God is not to be taken lightly but is a carefully regulated and mediated encounter.
Leviticus 16:2 - and Yahweh said to Moses, “Tell Aaron your brother, not to come at all times into the Most Holy Place within the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark; lest he die: for I will appear in the cloud on the mercy seat.
What does "Leviticus 16:2" mean?
This verse from Leviticus 16:2 sets the stage for the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), a crucial ritual in ancient Israel. Let's break it down:
"and Yahweh said to Moses, “Tell Aaron your brother..." This establishes that God (Yahweh) is giving instructions to Moses, who is to relay them to his brother Aaron, the High Priest.
"...not to come at all times into the Most Holy Place within the veil..." The "Most Holy Place" (also known as the Holy of Holies) was the innermost sanctuary of the Tabernacle (and later, the Temple). It housed the Ark of the Covenant. A "veil" or curtain separated the Most Holy Place from the rest of the Tabernacle. Aaron, as High Priest, was prohibited from entering this sacred space whenever he pleased. The access was strictly limited.
"...before the mercy seat which is on the ark..." The "mercy seat" (also known as the "atonement cover") was the golden lid of the Ark of the Covenant. It was considered the place where God's presence was especially manifested.
"...lest he die: for I will appear in the cloud on the mercy seat." This is the crucial part. Unauthorized entry into the Most Holy Place could result in death for Aaron. This is because God's presence was so holy and powerful that it could be fatal to those who were not properly prepared and authorized. The verse states that God would "appear in the cloud on the mercy seat," emphasizing the divine presence and the danger of approaching it without proper reverence and purification.
In Summary:
This verse establishes a very specific and strict rule for the High Priest: he cannot enter the Most Holy Place whenever he wants. The reason is because God's presence is there on the mercy seat, and approaching God's presence without the proper ritual preparation would result in death. This verse sets the stage for the elaborate rituals and sacrifices that Aaron, as High Priest, must perform on the Day of Atonement to purify himself and the people of Israel before entering the Most Holy Place. It highlights the holiness of God, the seriousness of sin, and the need for atonement. It also reinforces the idea that access to God is not to be taken lightly but is a carefully regulated and mediated encounter.