What is the meaning of Leviticus 10:12? And Moses said to Aaron and his remaining sons, Eleazar and Ithamar - Moses, as mediator, speaks authoritatively to the priestly family. Compare Exodus 24:3-4 where Moses similarly conveys the LORD’s directives. - The phrase “remaining sons” recalls the immediate context: Nadab and Abihu have just perished for presenting unauthorized fire (Leviticus 10:1-2). Their loss underscores the gravity of priestly obedience (Numbers 3:4). - Aaron and his two surviving sons are reminded that their service continues; grief must not halt their appointed duties (Leviticus 10:6-7). Take the grain offering that remains from the food offerings to the LORD - The grain offering (Leviticus 2:1-10) is part of the day’s sacrificial sequence. What “remains” belongs to the priests by divine decree (Leviticus 6:16-18). - “Food offerings to the LORD” cover the entire sacrificial menu (Exodus 29:41). This remainder testifies that God provides for His servants through what is first given to Him (1 Corinthians 9:13). - The instruction safeguards holy provision: it is not random leftovers but what God Himself designates. and eat it without leaven beside the altar - Unleavened consumption keeps the offering pure, echoing Exodus 12:15 and reminding of sin’s corrupting influence. - Eating “beside the altar” anchors the act within holy space (Leviticus 6:26). The altar is the meeting point of sacrifice and fellowship, so the priests participate near the place of atonement (Hebrews 13:10). - Practical obedience includes: • No leaven—maintain purity. • Location—remain close to God’s presence. • Posture of service—continual readiness for further ministry. because it is most holy - “Most holy” (qodesh qodashim) marks the highest degree of consecration (Exodus 30:29). Touch and consumption are restricted to ordained priests (Leviticus 21:22). - Holiness is not abstract; it shapes conduct. By eating in the prescribed way, the priests display reverence. Compare how mishandling holy things leads to judgment (2 Samuel 6:6-7). - The status of “most holy” foreshadows Christ, the true offering, whose body is likewise holy and given for His priestly people (Hebrews 7:26-27; 1 Peter 2:9). summary Leviticus 10:12 instructs Aaron and his surviving sons to partake of the leftover grain offering exactly as God commands—unleavened, beside the altar—because the portion is “most holy.” In the immediate aftermath of judgment on disobedient priests, this verse reinforces that holy service continues under strict divine order. God both provides for His servants and guards His holiness, calling His ministers to careful, reverent obedience. |
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