What are the consequences for priests not keeping God's requirements in Leviticus 22:9? Leviticus 22:9—The Core Warning “Therefore the priests shall keep My charge, so that they do not incur sin on account of it and die thereby when they profane it; I am the LORD who sanctifies them.” (Leviticus 22:9) Immediate Consequences Named in the Verse • They “incur sin”—their disobedience is counted as personal guilt before God. • They “die thereby”—the penalty for profaning sacred duties is physical death. • Reason stated: “I am the LORD who sanctifies them.” The holiness of the Sanctifier demands holiness in those He sets apart. Illustrations of the Warning in the Rest of Scripture • Leviticus 10:1-2—Nadab and Abihu offer unauthorized fire; “fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them.” • Numbers 18:32—Failure to treat offerings rightly will cause the priests to “bear no sin” only if they obey; otherwise death follows. • 1 Samuel 2:12-34—Eli’s sons treat offerings with contempt; judgment falls on Eli’s house. • 2 Samuel 6:6-7—Uzzah (though not a priest) touches the ark irreverently and dies, underscoring God’s holy standards for those handling sacred things. • Hebrews 12:28-29—New-covenant worshipers are still warned that “our God is a consuming fire.” Theological Reasons Behind the Penalty • God’s holiness is non-negotiable; any profanation assaults His character (Isaiah 6:3). • The priest represents the people before God; sin in the priest endangers the whole community (Exodus 28:38). • God Himself provides the means of sanctification; rejecting His terms repudiates His grace (Leviticus 21:8). • Swift judgment serves as a public deterrent, preserving the purity of worship (Deuteronomy 13:11). Implications for Worship Today • Believers are called “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9); careless handling of sacred things remains serious. • Irreverent participation in the Lord’s Table resulted in weakness, sickness, and death in Corinth (1 Corinthians 11:27-30). • The once-for-all sacrifice of Christ does not lessen God’s demand for holiness; it empowers obedience (Hebrews 10:19-22). • Faithful leaders protect their people by treating God’s Word and ordinances with utmost reverence (2 Timothy 2:15). Summing Up Leviticus 22:9 warns priests that neglecting God’s requirements brings guilt and the death penalty, because the Holy One who sets them apart will not allow His sanctified service to be profaned. The principle endures: those entrusted with holy responsibilities must approach God on His terms, lest sin’s consequences fall heavily on them and on those they serve. |
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