How does Leviticus 9:24 connect to God's presence in Exodus 3:2? Fire on the Altar – Leviticus 9:24 “Fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted and fell facedown.” •The newly consecrated tabernacle is immediately affirmed by a visible act of God. •The fire does not originate from human effort; it “comes out from the presence of the LORD,” revealing that only God can validate acceptable worship. •The response—shouting and falling facedown—shows both joy and reverent fear. Fire in the Bush – Exodus 3:2 “There the Angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire within a bush. Moses looked and saw that the bush was on fire but was not consumed.” •The flame manifests God’s presence to Moses as He calls the shepherd to lead Israel. •The bush’s preservation signals that God’s holiness can dwell among His people without destroying them when He chooses. •This encounter lays the foundation for Moses’ later role in establishing the sacrificial system. Common Threads: Divine Presence Displayed Through Fire •Both events occur at critical turning points—Moses’ call (Exodus 3) and Israel’s first public worship in the tabernacle (Leviticus 9). •Fire is the primary visual sign of God’s nearness: –In Exodus 3 it invites Moses into covenant service. –In Leviticus 9 it confirms that the covenant people may now approach God through sacrifice. •In each scene, God initiates; humanity responds in awe, not presumption. •The fire consumes what is offered (sacrifice) yet spares what is chosen (the bush), underscoring both holiness and mercy. From Encounter to Worship: A Narrative Flow 1.Exodus 3: Personal commission—God meets one man in the wilderness. 2.Exodus 19–24: National covenant—Sinai’s fiery summit extends the relationship to Israel. 3.Leviticus 9: Communal worship—Fire publicly seals ongoing access through priestly sacrifice. 4.Numbers 9:15–16; 1 Kings 18:38; 2 Chronicles 7:1: Later repetitions reinforce that the same God continues to accept offerings by fire. What the Fire Teaches About God •Holiness—He is “a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29). •Initiative—He moves toward humanity before humanity can move toward Him (Romans 5:8). •Acceptance—Properly offered sacrifices are received, assuring forgiveness (Leviticus 1:4). •Continuity—The God who met Moses is the God who meets the nation; His character does not change (Malachi 3:6). Echoes Across Scripture •Genesis 15:17—Flaming torch passes between pieces, sealing Abraham’s covenant. •Exodus 13:21–22—Pillar of fire guides Israel. •Acts 2:3—Tongues of fire rest on believers, marking a new dwelling of God with His people. •Revelation 1:14—The glorified Christ’s eyes “like blazing fire” affirm His searching purity. Living the Connection Today •Approach God with both confidence and reverence; He welcomes yet remains holy. •Depend on His initiative—salvation and worship begin with Him, not us (Ephesians 2:8–9). •Offer lives as “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1), trusting that the same purifying fire now indwells by the Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). |
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