What connections exist between Leviticus 16:2 and Hebrews 9:7 regarding the High Priest? Setting the Old Covenant Scene • Leviticus 16 establishes the Day of Atonement, the single most solemn day in Israel’s calendar. • Only the high priest—Aaron and his successors—could enter the Most Holy Place, the innermost chamber behind the veil (Exodus 26:33). • God’s visible presence (“I will appear in the cloud”) dwelt above the mercy seat, demanding absolute holiness. Restrictions on Approach “Tell your brother Aaron that he is not to come whenever he chooses into the Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark—or else he will die; for I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.” • No “whenever” access—entry was tightly regulated. • A life-or-death matter: improper approach meant instant judgment. • The veil signified separation between a holy God and sinful humanity (Isaiah 59:2). Hebrews 9:7—Inspired Commentary on Leviticus “But only the high priest entered the second room, and he did so only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins of the people committed in ignorance.” • Confirms the “once-a-year” limitation (Day of Atonement). • Highlights the necessity of sacrificial blood—first for the priest, then for the people (Leviticus 16:11-15). • Stresses that even ignorance required atonement. Key Connections Between the Two Verses • Same Person: the high priest is the exclusive mediator. • Same Place: “Holy Place/second room” = the Most Holy Place behind the veil. • Same Timing: restricted to one annual entrance. • Same Means: blood of sacrifice essential for access. • Same Purpose: atonement for sin, preserving life before a holy God. • Same Warning: violation brings death, underscoring God’s unchanging holiness (Numbers 18:7). Prophetic Foreshadowing of Christ • The veil pointed to the barrier Christ would remove (Matthew 27:51; Hebrews 10:19-20). • Repeated sacrifices exposed their insufficiency; Jesus entered “once for all” with His own blood (Hebrews 9:11-12). • Whereas Aaron needed atonement for himself, Jesus is “holy, innocent, undefiled” (Hebrews 7:26) and offered Himself solely for us. • The earthly mercy seat foreshadowed God’s throne of grace, now accessible through Christ (Hebrews 4:16). Living Out the Truth Today • Revere God’s holiness—He still requires purity for fellowship (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Rest in Christ’s finished work—no further sacrifices needed (Hebrews 10:14). • Draw near with confidence, yet with humility, grateful for the High Priest who opened the way (Hebrews 6:19-20). |
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