Leviticus 10:11
so that you may teach the Israelites all the statutes that the LORD has given them through Moses."
and so as to teach
The Hebrew root for "teach" is "yarah," which means to instruct or direct. This word is often used in the context of imparting wisdom or guidance. In the ancient Israelite society, teaching was not merely an academic exercise but a sacred duty. The priests were responsible for ensuring that the people understood God's laws, which were integral to maintaining a covenant relationship with Him. This highlights the importance of spiritual education and the transmission of divine truth from one generation to the next.

the Israelites
The term "Israelites" refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel. This designation is significant as it underscores the covenant relationship between God and the people of Israel. Historically, the Israelites were chosen to be a holy nation and a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19:6). This calling required them to live according to God's statutes, setting them apart from other nations. The identity of the Israelites as God's chosen people is central to understanding their unique role in redemptive history.

all the statutes
The word "statutes" comes from the Hebrew "choq," which refers to decrees or laws that are prescribed by God. These statutes were not arbitrary rules but were designed to reflect God's holy character and to guide the Israelites in righteous living. The comprehensive nature of "all the statutes" emphasizes the completeness and sufficiency of God's law. It serves as a reminder that every aspect of life is to be governed by divine principles, ensuring that the community remains in harmony with God's will.

that the LORD
The name "LORD" in all capital letters represents the Tetragrammaton, YHWH, which is the personal name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). This name signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His covenant faithfulness. The use of "LORD" in this context reinforces the authority and divine origin of the statutes. It is a reminder that the laws given to Israel are not human inventions but are commands from the sovereign Creator.

has given them
The phrase "has given" indicates the divine initiative in the communication of the law. The Hebrew verb "natan" means to give or bestow, highlighting God's gracious act of providing His statutes to the Israelites. This gift of the law is an expression of God's love and care for His people, providing them with a framework for living in a way that pleases Him and leads to blessing.

through Moses
Moses is the mediator through whom God delivered His laws to the Israelites. As a prophet and leader, Moses holds a unique position in Israel's history. His role as the lawgiver is foundational, as he is the one who received the commandments on Mount Sinai and communicated them to the people. This underscores the importance of faithful leadership and the responsibility of those who are called to convey God's truth to others. Moses' life and ministry serve as a model of obedience and dedication to God's purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The prophet and leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egypt and to whom God gave the Law.

2. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel, responsible for the priestly duties and teaching the Israelites.

3. Nadab and Abihu
Sons of Aaron who offered unauthorized fire before the Lord and were consumed by fire as a result.

4. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were to be taught the statutes and laws given by God through Moses.

5. The Tabernacle
The dwelling place of God among His people, where the priests performed their duties and where the law was taught.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Teaching God's Word
Teaching God's statutes is a divine mandate, crucial for guiding the community in righteousness and holiness.

The Role of Spiritual Leaders
Spiritual leaders, like the priests, have a responsibility to faithfully communicate God's laws and principles to the people.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The account of Nadab and Abihu serves as a warning about the seriousness of adhering to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience.

The Continuity of God's Teaching Mandate
From the Old Testament priests to New Testament believers, the call to teach and uphold God's Word remains consistent.

Living as a Royal Priesthood
As believers, we are called to live out and teach God's truths, reflecting His holiness in our daily lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of the priests in teaching the Israelites relate to the role of spiritual leaders today?

2. What can we learn from the consequences faced by Nadab and Abihu about the importance of following God's instructions?

3. In what ways can we, as a "royal priesthood," fulfill the teaching mandate in our own communities?

4. How does understanding the original Hebrew context of "statutes" and "teach" enhance our comprehension of this verse?

5. How can we apply the principles of Leviticus 10:11 in our personal study and application of Scripture, in light of 2 Timothy 3:16-17?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 4:1-2
Emphasizes the importance of obeying God's statutes and commands, similar to the teaching role described in Leviticus 10:11.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
Highlights the role of Scripture in teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, paralleling the teaching responsibility of the priests.

Hosea 4:6
Warns of the destruction that comes from a lack of knowledge, underscoring the importance of teaching God's statutes.

Matthew 28:19-20
The Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to teach all nations, reflecting the teaching mandate given to the priests.

1 Peter 2:9
Describes believers as a royal priesthood, called to declare the praises of God, linking to the priestly teaching role in Leviticus.
Instruction as Well as SacrificeW. Clarkson Leviticus 10:11
Counterfeit FireR.M. Edgar Leviticus 10:1-11
Submission in BereavementR.M. Edgar Leviticus 10:3-7, 12-20
Abstinence EnjoinedS.R. Aldridge Leviticus 10:8-11
Sobriety in the PriesthoodJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 10:8-11
Ministers to be Examples of PurityR.A. Redford Leviticus 10:8-20
Abstinence RecommendedH. C. Trumbull.Leviticus 10:9-11
Excitement to be Avoided by MinistersC. H. Mackintosh.Leviticus 10:9-11
Help to TemperanceLewis O. Thompson.Leviticus 10:9-11
Testimony of a Clergyman as to the Value of Total AbstinenceLeviticus 10:9-11
The Value of AbstinenceLeviticus 10:9-11
Total Abstinence a Safeguard in Responsible PositionsLeviticus 10:9-11
People
Aaron, Abihu, Eleazar, Elzaphan, Israelites, Ithamar, Mishael, Moses, Nadab, Uzziel
Places
Teman
Topics
Decrees, Israelites, Laws, Sons, Spoken, Statutes, Teach, Teaching
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 10:11

     5031   knowledge, of sin
     7734   leaders, spiritual
     7793   teachers

Leviticus 10:8-11

     7340   clean and unclean

Leviticus 10:10-11

     8269   holiness, separation from worldly

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 Scripture

December 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

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