Why was Moses angry with Eleazar and Ithamar in Leviticus 10:16? “Then Moses searched diligently for the goat of the sin offering, but it had already been burned up. He was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s surviving sons…” Setting the Scene • Earlier that day Nadab and Abihu died for offering “unauthorized fire” (Leviticus 10:1–2). • God immediately laid out strict rules for Aaron’s remaining sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, including how to handle each sacrifice (Leviticus 10:12–15). • Part of their duty was to eat specific portions of the offerings inside the sanctuary court as a sign that they were carrying the people’s guilt before the LORD (Leviticus 6:26, 29). The Clear Instruction They Received • Grain offering: eat it “beside the altar” (Leviticus 10:12–13). • Breast and thigh of the fellowship offering: eat them “in a ceremonially clean place” (Leviticus 10:14–15). • Sin offering whose blood was not taken into the Holy Place: eat the meat in the sanctuary court (Leviticus 6:29–30). • Purpose: “He has given it to you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before the LORD” (Leviticus 10:17). What Eleazar and Ithamar Actually Did • Instead of eating the sin-offering goat, they burned it completely (Leviticus 10:16). • Their action silently declared the sacrifice finished without the priestly share, bypassing God’s explicit command. Why Moses Became Angry • Direct Disobedience: They ignored an unambiguous, recently repeated instruction. • Threat to Atonement: By refusing to eat, they failed to “bear the iniquity of the congregation,” jeopardizing Israel’s standing before God. • Risk of Further Judgment: After witnessing two brothers die for unauthorized worship, any deviation could invite similar judgment (compare Deuteronomy 4:2; 1 Samuel 15:22). • Loss of Priestly Example: Priests were to model exact obedience; their lapses would mislead the nation (Leviticus 10:10–11). Underlying Principles Highlighted • God expects precise obedience in matters of worship (Exodus 25:40; Matthew 5:18). • Priestly duties include both ritual and representative aspects—“bearing iniquity” on behalf of the people (Numbers 18:1). • Holiness is non-negotiable; compromised priests endanger the whole community (Hebrews 2:2–3). Takeaway for Today • The incident underscores that even fatigue, grief, or good intentions never override the clear Word of God. • Faithful service means honoring every detail He has revealed, trusting that His commands are always for our good and His glory. |
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