Leviticus 16:23 Study Bible: "Aaron shall come into the Tent of Meeting, and shall take off the linen garments, which he put on when he went into the Holy Place, and shall leave them there.

Bible > Leviticus > Chapter 16 > Verse 23

◄ Leviticus 16:23 ►

Then Aaron is to enter the Tent of Meeting, take off the linen garments he put on before entering the Most Holy Place, and leave them there.

Study Bible

Then Aaron
The mention of Aaron, the first high priest, is significant as it underscores the role of the high priest as a mediator between God and the Israelites. Aaron's actions are not just personal but representative of the entire nation. The Hebrew name "Aaron" (אַהֲרֹן) is thought to mean "mountain of strength" or "enlightened," reflecting his elevated position and responsibility.

is to enter
The act of entering signifies a transition from the outer world into a sacred space. In Hebrew, the word "enter" (בּוֹא, bo) implies coming into a place with purpose and intention. Aaron's entry into the Tent of Meeting is a deliberate act of obedience and reverence, highlighting the importance of approaching God with a prepared heart.

the Tent of Meeting
This phrase refers to the sacred space where God would meet with Moses and the priests. The Hebrew term "Ohel Moed" (אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד) translates to "tent of appointment," emphasizing the divine-human encounter. Archaeologically, the Tent of Meeting was a portable sanctuary, symbolizing God's presence among His people during their wilderness journey.

take off the linen garments
The linen garments represent purity and holiness, as linen was considered a fabric of high quality and was often used in sacred contexts. The Hebrew word for linen (בַּד, bad) suggests separation, indicating that these garments were set apart for holy use. Aaron's removal of these garments signifies the completion of his sacred duties and a return to the ordinary.

he put on before entering the Holy Place
This phrase highlights the preparation required to enter the Holy Place, a space of divine presence. The act of putting on specific garments symbolizes the need for spiritual readiness and sanctification. The Holy Place, or "Qodesh" (קֹדֶשׁ), is a term that denotes something set apart for God, reinforcing the sacredness of the priestly role.

and leave them there
Leaving the garments in the Tent of Meeting signifies the temporary nature of the high priest's role and the ongoing need for holiness. It serves as a reminder that the garments, like the priestly duties, are not for personal glory but for God's service. This act of leaving them behind also points to the transitory nature of earthly rituals, foreshadowing the eternal priesthood of Christ, who fulfills and transcends these Old Testament practices.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron
The first high priest of Israel, brother of Moses, and a central figure in the Levitical priesthood. He is responsible for performing the rituals on the Day of Atonement.

2. Tent of Meeting
Also known as the Tabernacle, this was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

3. Holy Place
The inner sanctuary of the Tabernacle where the high priest would perform sacred rituals, including those on the Day of Atonement.

4. Linen Garments
Special clothing worn by the high priest during the Day of Atonement, symbolizing purity and humility before God.

5. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
An annual event in the Jewish calendar where the high priest would make atonement for the sins of the people of Israel.

Teaching Points

Holiness and Reverence
The act of changing garments signifies the need for purity and reverence when approaching God. As believers, we are called to live lives that reflect holiness.

Symbolism of Garments
The linen garments represent humility and purity. In our spiritual walk, we should "put on" Christ, embodying His righteousness and humility.

Role of the High Priest
Aaron's actions foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ, our High Priest, who intercedes for us. We can approach God with confidence because of Christ's atoning work.

Separation from Sin
Just as Aaron left the garments behind, we are called to leave behind our old sinful ways and embrace a new life in Christ.

Preparation for Worship
The preparation and actions of the high priest remind us of the importance of preparing our hearts and minds for worship and service to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What is the significance of Aaron changing his garments before entering the Holy Place, and how does this relate to our approach to God today?

2. How do the priestly garments in Leviticus 16:23 symbolize the purity and humility required of those who serve God?

3. In what ways does the role of Aaron as high priest point to the work of Jesus Christ as our ultimate High Priest?

4. How can we apply the principle of "leaving behind" our old ways, as symbolized by Aaron leaving the garments in the Tent of Meeting, in our daily lives?

5. What steps can we take to prepare our hearts and minds for worship, drawing from the example of the high priest's preparation on the Day of Atonement?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 28
Describes the priestly garments, emphasizing their significance and the holiness required of those who serve in God's presence.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the role of the high priest and the limitations of the old covenant, pointing to Christ as the ultimate High Priest who enters the heavenly sanctuary.

Isaiah 61:10
Speaks of being clothed with garments of salvation, drawing a parallel to the spiritual significance of the priestly garments.

Sermons

The Climax of Sacrificial Worship: the Day of Atonement	R.M. Edgar	Leviticus 16:1-34
The Great Day of Atonement	R.A. Redford	Leviticus 16:1-34
A Proffered Substitute	W. Thompson.	Leviticus 16:3-34
Christ Typified by the Two Goats	J. Burns, D. D.	Leviticus 16:3-34
Christian's Confession of Sin	Spurgeon, Charles Haddon	Leviticus 16:3-34
Christ's Anesthesia for the Remembrance of Sin		Leviticus 16:3-34
Hindrances to Repentance Removed	J. Spencer.	Leviticus 16:3-34
Intercession of Christ	S. Thodey.	Leviticus 16:3-34
Lessons	A. Willet, D. D.	Leviticus 16:3-34
Moral Observations	A. Willet, D. D.	Leviticus 16:3-34
Moses and Christ; the Day of Atonement	W. Clarkson, B. A.	Leviticus 16:3-34
Need for the Great Atonement	J. Hamilton, D. D.	Leviticus 16:3-34
Sinners Always Ready to Conceal Their Sin	T. Adams.	Leviticus 16:3-34
Spiritual Significance of the Ceremonies on the Day of Atonement	T. M. Morris.	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Annual Atonement	Spurgeon, Charles Haddon	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Ceremonies of the Day of Atonement	F. E. Clark.	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Climax of Sacrificial Worship	R. M.,Edgar, M. A.	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Day of Atonement	Spurgeon, Charles Haddon	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Day of Atonement	D. O. Mears.	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Day of Atonement	D. C. Hughes, M. A.	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Day of Atonement	H. Melvill, B. D.	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Day of Atonement	J. A. Seiss, D. D.	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Garments of the Priest	F. E. Clark.	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Two Goats	F. E. Clark.	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Two Goats -- Various Interpretations	J. Cumming, D. D.	Leviticus 16:3-34
There Shalt be no Man in the Tabernacle	H. C. Trumbull.	Leviticus 16:3-34
True Repentance	H. W. Beecher.	Leviticus 16:3-34
Trusting in the Substitute		Leviticus 16:3-34
Value of Repentance	J. Spencer.	Leviticus 16:3-34
The Sacrifices of the Day of Atonement	J.A. Macdonald	Leviticus 16:5-28

People

Aaron, Israelites, Moses

Places

Teman

Topics

Aaron, Clothing, Congregation, Entered, Garments, Holy, Leave, Linen, Meeting, Placed, Sanctuary, Stripped, Tabernacle, Tent

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Leviticus 16:23

5392 linen

Leviticus 16:1-33

6616 atonement, in OT

Leviticus 16:1-34

1680 types
7422 ritual

Leviticus 16:2-34

5378 law, OT

Leviticus 16:3-34

6648 expiation
8629 worship, times

Leviticus 16:20-24

4293 water

Leviticus 16:20-31

7308 Atonement, Day of

Leviticus 16:20-34

6175 guilt, removal of

Library

August 9. "He Shall Lay Both his Hands Upon the Head of the Live Goat, and Confess Over Him all the Iniquities of the Children of Israel; Transgressions and Sins" (Lev. xvi. 21).
"He shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel; transgressions and sins" (Lev. xvi. 21). As any evil comes up, and the consciousness of any unholy thing touches our inner senses, it is our privilege at once to hand it over to the Holy Ghost and to lay it upon Jesus, as something already crucified with Him, and as of old, in the case of the sin offering, it will be carried without the camp and burned to ashes. There may …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Day of Atonement
'And the Lord spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron when they offered before the Lord, and died; 2. And the Lord said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy-seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy-seat. 3. Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place; with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering. 4. He shall put on the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Day of Atonement
Now, I shall invite your attention to the ceremonies of this solemn day, taking the different parts in detail. First, we shall consider the person who made the atonement; secondly, the sacrifice whereby the atonement was typically made; thirdly, the effects of the atonement; and fourthly, our behaviour on the recollection of the atonement, as well set forth by the conduct prescribed to the Israelites on that day. I. First, THE PERSON WHO WAS TO MAKE THE ATONEMENT. And at the outset, we remark that …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Foreshadowed in the Ritual on the Annual Day of Israel's Atonement.
The order of events on the Day of Atonement are described in Leviticus 16, a chapter which is exceedingly rich in its typical signification. The Day of Atonement had to do with the putting away of Israel's sins, therefore, its dispensational application refers mainly to Israel though, as we shall see, the Church was also typically represented. We shall not now attempt anything more than a bare outline of the happenings of that most memorable day on Israel's sacred calendar. The order of its ritual …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

The Great High-Priest.
"Having then a great High-priest, Who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high-priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but One that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need. For every high-priest, being taken from among men, is appointed for …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

Fifth Sunday in Lent
Text: Hebrews 9, 11-15. 11 But Christ having come a high priest of the good things to come, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation, 12 nor yet through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, entered in once for all into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling them that have been defiled, sanctify unto the cleanness of the flesh: …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Parable of the Pharisee and Publican.
^C Luke XVIII. 9-14. ^c 9 And he spake also this parable unto certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and set all others at nought [It is commonly said that this parable teaches humility in prayer, but the preface and conclusion (see verse 14) show that it is indeed to set forth generally the difference between self-righteousness and humility, and that an occasion of prayer is chosen because it best illustrates the point which the Lord desired to teach. The parable shows that …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Intercession of Christ
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us! T he Redemption of the soul is precious. Fools make mock of sin (Proverbs 14:9) . But they will not think lightly of it, who duly consider the majesty, authority, and goodness of Him, against whom it is committed; and who are taught, by what God actually has done, what sin rendered necessary to be done, before a sinner could have a well-grounded …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

The Call of Matthew - the Saviour's Welcome to Sinners - Rabbinic Theology as Regards the Doctrine of Forgiveness in Contrast to the Gospel of Christ
In two things chiefly does the fundamental difference appear between Christianity and all other religious systems, notably Rabbinism. And in these two things, therefore, lies the main characteristic of Christ's work; or, taking a wider view, the fundamental idea of all religions. Subjectively, they concern sin and the sinner; or, to put it objectively, the forgiveness of sin and the welcome to the sinner. But Rabbinism, and every other system down to modern humanitarianism - if it rises so high in …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Sundry Exhortations.
HEBREWS xiii. Let love of the brethren continue. Forget not to shew love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; them that are evil entreated, as being yourselves also in the body. Let marriage be had in honour among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Be ye free from the love of money; content with such things as ye have: for Himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the Teaching of the Lord Concerning Purity - the Traditions Concerning Hand-Washing' and Vows. '
As we follow the narrative, confirmatory evidence of what had preceded springs up at almost every step. It is quite in accordance with the abrupt departure of Jesus from Capernaum, and its motives, that when, so far from finding rest and privacy at Bethsaida (east of the Jordan), a greater multitude than ever had there gathered around Him, which would fain have proclaimed Him King, He resolved on immediate return to the western shore, with the view of seeking a quieter retreat, even though it were …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Christ a Complete Saviour:
OR, THE INTERCESSION OF CHRIST, AND WHO ARE PRIVILEGED IN IT. BY JOHN BUNYAN Advertisement by the Editor. However strange it may appear, it is a solemn fact, that the heart of man, unless prepared by a sense of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, rejects Christ as a complete Saviour. The pride of human nature will not suffer it to fall, as helpless and utterly undone, into the arms of Divine mercy. Man prefers a partial Saviour; one who had done so much, that, with the sinner's aid, the work might be …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

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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