What consequences are mentioned for failing to follow God's commands in Exodus 28:43? Setting the Scene Exodus 28 describes the priestly garments. Verse 43 zeros in on the linen undergarments Aaron and his sons were required to wear “whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar.” The Lord attaches unmistakable consequences for ignoring this command. The Clear Warning in Exodus 28:43 “ ‘Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister in the holy place, so that they will not incur guilt and die. This is to be a perpetual statute for Aaron and his descendants.’ ” Consequences of disobedience: • “Incur guilt” (bear their iniquity) • “Die” Guilt—A Heavy, Immediate Burden • The Hebrew idea of “bearing guilt” means carrying responsibility for sin before a holy God. • Other texts underline the same danger: – Exodus 28:35 “so that he does not die.” – Exodus 30:20-21 “so that they will not die.” – Leviticus 10:1-2 Nadab and Abihu offer unauthorized fire and are consumed. – Numbers 18:22 “the Israelites must never again come near the Tent… or they will bear the consequences of their sin and die.” • Guilt separates people from God (Isaiah 59:2) and demands atonement (Leviticus 17:11). Death—The Ultimate Penalty • To approach God on one’s own terms invites immediate judgment (Hebrews 10:28). • Physical death of priests served as a sober reminder that sin always leads to death (Romans 6:23). • Examples: – Uzzah touched the ark and died (2 Samuel 6:6-7). – Korah’s rebellion ended in swift destruction (Numbers 16:31-35). Why Such Severe Penalties? • God’s holiness is absolute; no hint of casualness is tolerated (Leviticus 10:3). • Priests represented the people; their disobedience jeopardized national standing before God (Exodus 19:6). • The unchanging principle: approaching God requires purity—fulfilled perfectly in Christ, our sinless High Priest (Hebrews 7:26-27). Takeaways for Today • God’s commands are not suggestions; they are life-and-death realities. • Christ’s atoning work does not diminish obedience; it empowers it (John 14:15). • Reverence remains the proper posture when entering God’s presence (Hebrews 12:28-29). |
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