You must distinguish between the holy and the common, between the clean and the unclean, You must distinguishThe phrase "You must distinguish" is a directive that emphasizes the active role of the Israelites, particularly the priests, in discerning and making judgments. The Hebrew root word here is "בדל" (badal), which means to separate or divide. This concept of separation is foundational in the Levitical law, underscoring the importance of discernment in maintaining holiness. Historically, this was crucial for the Israelites as they were called to be a distinct people, set apart for God. The act of distinguishing is not merely a ritualistic practice but a spiritual discipline that reflects one's commitment to God's standards. between the holy and the common
The distinction "between the holy and the common" is central to the Levitical code. The Hebrew word for "holy" is "קדש" (qodesh), which signifies something set apart for God, sacred and consecrated. In contrast, "common" refers to the ordinary or profane, things not set apart for divine purposes. This separation is not just about physical objects or rituals but extends to the moral and ethical life of the community. Archaeological findings, such as temple artifacts and altars, often reveal the meticulous care taken to maintain this separation, highlighting its significance in ancient Israelite worship and daily life. between the clean and the unclean
The phrase "between the clean and the unclean" further elaborates on the need for discernment. The Hebrew words "טהור" (tahor) for clean and "טמא" (tamei) for unclean are used extensively in Leviticus to describe states of ritual purity. This distinction was vital for maintaining the community's spiritual health and their relationship with God. The clean and unclean laws covered various aspects of life, including food, disease, and bodily functions, serving as a constant reminder of God's holiness and the need for purity. Scripturally, these laws pointed to the deeper spiritual truth of sin and redemption, foreshadowing the ultimate cleansing through Christ. The historical context shows that these laws helped preserve the identity and sanctity of the Israelite community amidst surrounding pagan cultures. Persons / Places / Events 1. AaronThe brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He was responsible for maintaining the sanctity of the tabernacle and ensuring that the priests followed God's commands. 2. Nadab and AbihuSons of Aaron who offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, resulting in their death as a divine judgment for their disobedience ( Leviticus 10:1-2). 3. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who conveyed God's laws and instructions to Aaron and the people. 4. TabernacleThe portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites, where the priests performed their duties. 5. IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who were given the law to live by and to be set apart from other nations. Teaching Points Holiness and DistinctionGod calls His people to live lives that are distinct from the world. This involves making conscious choices to uphold what is holy and reject what is common or unclean. Obedience to God's CommandsThe tragic account of Nadab and Abihu serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering strictly to God's instructions. Our worship and service must align with His will. Spiritual DiscernmentBelievers are called to develop discernment to distinguish between what is holy and unholy. This requires a deep understanding of God's Word and a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Consequences of DisobedienceThe immediate consequences faced by Nadab and Abihu illustrate the seriousness of disobedience. While we live under grace, the principle of reaping what we sow remains. Living as a Holy PriesthoodAs believers, we are part of a royal priesthood ( 1 Peter 2:9). This identity calls us to live in a way that reflects God's holiness to the world. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the command to distinguish between the holy and the common apply to our daily lives as Christians today? 2. In what ways can we develop spiritual discernment to better understand what is clean and unclean in our context? 3. Reflect on a time when you faced consequences for not following God's instructions. What did you learn from that experience? 4. How can we, as a community of believers, support each other in living lives that are set apart for God? 5. Considering 1 Peter 2:9, how does our identity as a royal priesthood influence our actions and decisions in the world? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 30:34-38This passage provides instructions on the proper use of incense, highlighting the importance of following God's specific commands, which Nadab and Abihu failed to do. 1 Peter 1:15-16This New Testament passage calls believers to be holy in all their conduct, echoing the call to distinguish between holy and common. Hebrews 10:19-22Discusses the confidence we have to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of purity and holiness. People Aaron, Abihu, Eleazar, Elzaphan, Israelites, Ithamar, Mishael, Moses, Nadab, UzzielPlaces TemanTopics Clean, Common, Difference, Distinction, Distinguish, Division, Holy, Profane, Pure, Separation, Unclean, UnholyDictionary of Bible Themes Leviticus 10:10 7424 ritual law
8227 discernment, nature of Leviticus 10:8-11 7340 clean and unclean Leviticus 10:9-10 7768 priests, OT function Leviticus 10:10-11 8269 holiness, separation from worldly
8325 purity, nature of Library Strange Fire
'And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which He commanded them not. 2. And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord. 3. Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the Lord spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh Me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace. 4. And Moses called Mishael …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureDecember the Thirteenth the Holy and the Profane
"Put difference between the holy and the unholy." --LEVITICUS x. 1-10. The peril of our day is that so many of these differences are growing faint. The holy merges into the unholy, and we can scarcely see the dividing line. Black merges into white through manifold shades of grey. Falsehood slopes into truth through cunning expediences and white lies. Lust merges into purity through conviviality and geniality and good-fellowship. So is one thing losing itself in another, and vivid moral distinctions …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory.
Who is like unto Thee, O Lord! among the gods? Who is like unto Thee, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders? Thou in Thy mercy hast led Thy people which Thou hast redeemed: Thou hast guided them in Thy strength to the habitation of Thy holiness ... The holy place, O Lord, which Thy hands have established.' --Ex. xv. 11-17. In these words we have another step in advance in the revelation of Holiness. We have here for the first time Holiness predicated of God Himself. He …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ Brief Directions How to Read the Holy Scriptures once Every Year Over, with Ease, Profit, and Reverence.
But forasmuch, that as faith is the soul, so reading and meditating on the word of God, are the parent's of prayer, therefore, before thou prayest in the morning, first read a chapter in the word of God; then meditate awhile with thyself, how many excellent things thou canst remember out of it. As--First, what good counsels or exhortations to good works and to holy life. Secondly, what threatenings of judgments against such and such a sin; and what fearful examples of God's punishment or vengeance …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Value of this Doctrine
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). "Doctrine" means "teaching," …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God The Third Commandment
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.' Exod 20: 7. This commandment has two parts: 1. A negative expressed, that we must not take God's name in vain; that is, cast any reflections and dishonour on his name. 2. An affirmative implied. That we should take care to reverence and honour his name. Of this latter I shall speak more fully, under the first petition in the Lord's Prayer, Hallowed be thy name.' I shall …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Right Understanding of the Law
Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Before I come to the commandments, I shall answer questions, and lay down rules respecting the moral law. What is the difference between the moral laud and the gospel? (1) The law requires that we worship God as our Creator; the gospel, that we worship him in and through Christ. God in Christ is propitious; out of him we may see God's power, justice, and holiness: in him we see his mercy displayed. (2) The moral law requires obedience, but gives …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments No Sorrow Like Messiah's Sorrow
Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Behold, and see, if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow! A lthough the Scriptures of the Old Testament, the law of Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophecies (Luke 24:44) , bear an harmonious testimony to MESSIAH ; it is not necessary to suppose that every single passage has an immediate and direct relation to Him. A method of exposition has frequently obtained [frequently been in vogue], of a fanciful and allegorical cast [contrivance], under the pretext …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Man's Chief End
Q-I: WHAT IS THE CHIEF END OF MAN? A: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever. Here are two ends of life specified. 1: The glorifying of God. 2: The enjoying of God. I. The glorifying of God, I Pet 4:4: That God in all things may be glorified.' The glory of God is a silver thread which must run through all our actions. I Cor 10:01. Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.' Everything works to some end in things natural and artificial; …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Second Commandment
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.' Exod 20: 4-6. I. Thou shalt not …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Leviticus 10:10 NIVLeviticus 10:10 NLTLeviticus 10:10 ESVLeviticus 10:10 NASBLeviticus 10:10 KJV
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