What does Leviticus 16:4 teach about approaching God with reverence and humility? Setting the Scene Leviticus 16 describes the Day of Atonement, the only day each year when the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place. Verse 4 zooms in on the priest’s preparation—an outward picture of the inward posture every believer should bring when drawing near to God. Observing the Text “He shall put on the holy linen tunic, and the linen undergarments shall be on his body, and he shall tie the linen sash around him and put on the linen turban; these are holy garments. Therefore, he shall bathe himself with water and put them on.” (Leviticus 16:4) Key details: • Holy linen garments—not ornate, but simple, pure, set apart. • Complete washing—no shortcuts, no hidden areas unclean. • Sequence matters—bathe first, then dress, then serve. • God defines the wardrobe; the priest obeys without alteration. Symbols of Humility • Simplicity over splendor: The high priest normally wore richly colored, jewel-studded garments (Exodus 28), yet on this day he set them aside for plain linen. Status and titles bow before God’s presence. • Dependent obedience: He doesn’t choose what seems best; he receives God’s instructions as final. True humility listens and yields. • Cleansing before clothing: A public reminder that sin must be washed away before service is acceptable (Psalm 24:3-4; Hebrews 10:22). Call to Reverence • God’s holiness dictates the terms of approach. Casual familiarity is replaced by awe (Hebrews 12:28-29). • External actions mirror internal attitudes. The linen garments and washing shout, “I come as You command, not as I please.” • Reverence fosters intimacy. Only after humble preparation could the priest draw near; the same pattern holds today through Christ (James 4:8-10). Echoes through Scripture • Exodus 3:5—“Do not come any closer…remove your sandals.” Holy ground demands humble response. • Isaiah 6:5—Isaiah’s cry, “Woe to me!” shows awareness of sin in God’s presence. • 1 Peter 5:5—“Clothe yourselves with humility.” The linen tunic foreshadows the believer’s daily wardrobe. • Revelation 19:8—The Bride wears “fine linen, bright and clean,” granted by God, not self-supplied. Summing Up Leviticus 16:4 teaches that approaching God is never casual business. Reverence shows up in obedience to His word, simplicity that sets aside self-glory, and thorough cleansing that only He can provide. When we come on His terms—with humble hearts clothed in purity—He welcomes us into the holiest place of fellowship. |
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