What is the meaning of Leviticus 16:23? Then Aaron is to enter the Tent of Meeting “Then Aaron is to enter the Tent of Meeting …” (Leviticus 16:23a) • After completing the blood-sprinkling inside the Most Holy Place (Leviticus 16:15-16), the high priest steps back into the Tent proper. • This movement highlights two truths: – God’s holy presence is real in space and time; the priest must physically change locations (Exodus 29:42-43). – Access is granted only after atonement is made, foreshadowing Hebrews 10:19-20. • The Tent of Meeting served as the daily “headquarters” of worship (Numbers 8:19), reminding Israel that extraordinary rituals (the Day of Atonement) and ordinary service belong to the same God. …take off the linen garments “… take off the linen garments …” (Leviticus 16:23b) • Earlier that day Aaron had exchanged his ornate priestly robes for simple linen (Leviticus 16:4). • Removing them now underscores: – Completion: the special garments have fulfilled their purpose; the work of atonement is finished (John 19:30). – Separation: holy objects are not treated as common (Leviticus 6:10-11). • Linen, often symbolizing purity (Revelation 19:8), points to the sinlessness required to approach God—ultimately fulfilled in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). …he put on before entering the Most Holy Place “… he put on before entering the Most Holy Place …” (Leviticus 16:23c) • Scripture connects the garments directly to the sacred duty inside the veil (Hebrews 9:7). • God Himself prescribed this clothing (Leviticus 16:4), stressing obedience down to the smallest detail (1 Samuel 15:22). • The contrast between these humble linens and the high priest’s usual gold-trimmed attire (Exodus 28:2-5) pictures the Messiah who set aside visible glory to accomplish redemption (Philippians 2:6-8). …and leave them there “… and leave them there.” (Leviticus 16:23d) • The linens are deposited in a holy place, not reused casually (Ezekiel 44:19). • They remain as silent witnesses that atonement has been achieved; nothing more can be added (Hebrews 1:3). • By leaving the garments, Aaron illustrates the finality of forgiveness—sins no longer cling to the worshiper (Psalm 103:12), nor to the mediator who bore them (Isaiah 53:11). summary Leviticus 16:23 paints a vivid picture of completed atonement. Aaron’s re-entry into the Tent signals restored fellowship, the removal of linen highlights finished work, and leaving the garments behind seals the day’s cleansing. Every step points forward to Christ, our perfect High Priest, who entered the true sanctuary, finished the task, and left nothing undone for our salvation. |
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