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Book of Exodus - Chapter 28 - Verse 43

28:43
And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him.

Meaning

This verse, found in Leviticus 10:9, outlines the importance of Aaron and his sons adhering to specific regulations when approaching the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar. The verse emphasizes that they must not bear any iniquity nor deviate from the prescribed duties, as failure to do so could result in death. This statute is to be followed for all generations of Aaron's descendants. The significance of these regulations lies in maintaining the sanctity and purity of the holy place and ensuring that the priests approach their sacred duties with reverence and obedience. By adhering to these statutes, Aaron and his sons demonstrate their respect for the divine presence within the tabernacle and the seriousness of their role as mediators between the people and God. This verse serves as a reminder of the need for obedience and purity when engaging in sacred acts of worship and service.

Theological Overview

According to theological interpretation, the verse emphasizes the importance of the priests, particularly Aaron and his sons, approaching the tabernacle and altar with utmost reverence and purity. The phrase "that they bear not iniquity, and die" signifies that the priests needed to be ceremonially clean and free from sin before ministering in the holy place. This requirement was not just for their own safety but also to uphold the holiness of the sacred space and maintain the sanctity of their duties. The phrase "it shall be a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him" indicates that this command was to be followed by Aaron's descendants as well, highlighting the perpetual nature of the priesthood and the enduring significance of these regulations. Through word studies, we can glean a deeper understanding of the Hebrew terms used in this verse, shedding light on the specific nuances of the original text and enriching our comprehension of the biblical context.

American Standard Version

and they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they go in unto the tent of meeting, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute for ever unto him and unto his seed after him.
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