Leviticus 10:7

You shall not go outside the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, or you will die, for the LORD's anointing oil is on you." So they did as Moses instructed.

Study Bible

You shall not go outside the entrance to the Tent of Meeting
This command was given to Aaron and his remaining sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, after the death of Nadab and Abihu. The Tent of Meeting, also known as the Tabernacle, was the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among the Israelites. The priests were required to remain at the entrance to fulfill their duties and maintain the sanctity of the worship space. This command underscores the seriousness of their priestly responsibilities and the need for obedience to God's instructions. The Tent of Meeting was a precursor to the Temple in Jerusalem and symbolized God's desire to dwell among His people, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is described as "God with us" (Matthew 1:23).

or you will die
This severe warning highlights the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him with reverence and obedience. The deaths of Nadab and Abihu, who offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience (Leviticus 10:1-2). The holiness required of the priests is a reflection of God's own holiness, and their role was to mediate between God and the people. This foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who perfectly mediates between God and humanity (Hebrews 4:14-16).

for the LORD’s anointing oil is on you.
The anointing oil was a symbol of consecration and the Holy Spirit's presence. It set the priests apart for their sacred duties and signified their special role in serving God and the community. The anointing oil's composition and use were strictly regulated (Exodus 30:22-33), emphasizing the sacredness of the priestly office. This anointing prefigures the anointing of Jesus by the Holy Spirit at His baptism (Matthew 3:16) and the anointing of believers with the Holy Spirit, marking them as God's chosen people (2 Corinthians 1:21-22).

So they did as Moses instructed.
This phrase indicates the obedience of Aaron and his sons to Moses' command, which was ultimately God's command. Their compliance demonstrates a recognition of the gravity of their roles and the importance of adhering to divine instructions. Moses, as the mediator of God's law, represents the authority of God's word, which the priests were to uphold. This obedience is a model for believers, who are called to live in accordance with God's word and the teachings of Christ (John 14:15).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites and the mediator between God and His people. He conveys God's commands to Aaron and his sons.

2. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He is directly involved in the events of Leviticus 10, dealing with the aftermath of his sons' disobedience.

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

4. Tent of Meeting
The sacred place where God met with Moses and the priests. It served as the central place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites.

5. Anointing Oil
A holy oil used to consecrate priests and sacred objects, symbolizing the presence and blessing of God.

Teaching Points

Reverence for God's Commands
The incident with Nadab and Abihu underscores the importance of obeying God's instructions precisely. As believers, we must approach God with reverence and respect for His holiness.

The Role of Anointing
The anointing oil signifies being set apart for God's service. As Christians, we are anointed by the Holy Spirit, called to live lives that reflect our consecration to God.

Obedience and Consequences
The severe consequences faced by Nadab and Abihu remind us that disobedience to God can lead to dire outcomes. We are called to live in obedience to God's Word.

Staying in God's Presence
Aaron and his remaining sons were instructed not to leave the Tent of Meeting. This teaches us the importance of remaining in God's presence, especially during times of trial and testing.

Community and Accountability
Moses' role in instructing Aaron and his sons highlights the importance of community and accountability in our spiritual walk. We need others to guide and support us in our faith journey.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the anointing oil represent in the context of Leviticus 10:7, and how does this apply to our lives as Christians today?

2. How can we ensure that we approach God with the reverence and obedience that He requires, as demonstrated in the events of Leviticus 10?

3. In what ways does the concept of being "set apart" for God's service challenge our daily living and decision-making?

4. How can we cultivate a lifestyle that remains in God's presence, similar to the instruction given to Aaron and his sons?

5. What role does community play in helping us stay accountable to God's commands, and how can we foster such relationships in our church or small group?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 30:30-33
Discusses the anointing oil and its sacredness, emphasizing the importance of holiness and consecration.

1 Samuel 16:13
Describes the anointing of David, highlighting the significance of being set apart by God for a specific purpose.

Hebrews 10:19-22
Relates to the concept of entering God's presence with reverence, made possible through Christ, our High Priest.