Leviticus 10:12
And Moses spake unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons that were left, Take the meat offering that remaineth of the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and eat it without leaven beside the altar: for it is most holy:
Leviticus 10:12 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from Leviticus 10:12-13, Moses instructs Aaron, Eleazar, and Ithamar, the remaining sons of Aaron, to partake of the meat offering that was left over from the offerings made to the Lord by fire. He commands them to eat it without leaven beside the altar, emphasizing its sanctity as "most holy." This directive underscores the importance of adhering to specific rituals and rules when offering sacrifices to the Lord in the Old Testament. The act of consuming the leftover meat offering served as a way for the priests to consecrate themselves further and demonstrate their obedience to God's commands. By following these instructions, the priests were not only honoring the Lord but also ensuring that they remained pure and set apart for His service. This verse highlights the significance of recognizing and respecting the sacredness of offerings made to the Lord, as well as the importance of following His instructions with reverence and diligence.
Theological Overview
Within this verse, there is a clear instruction from Moses to Aaron, Eleazar, and Ithamar regarding the remaining meat offerings of the Lord made by fire. The significance of this command lies in the statement that the offering is to be consumed without leaven beside the altar because it is considered most holy. This specific instruction highlights the importance of purity and holiness in the offerings presented to the Lord. The absence of leaven symbolizes the absence of sin or impurity, emphasizing the need for a pure and undefiled sacrifice to be offered to God. The act of consuming the offering in this manner serves as a reminder of the reverence and respect that should be given to the things dedicated to the Lord. Additionally, the emphasis on holiness in this verse reflects the overarching theme of the importance of sanctification and consecration in approaching God and offering worship to Him.
Leviticus 10:12 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Moses spake unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons that were left, Take the meal-offering that remaineth of the offerings of Jehovah made by fire, and eat it without leaven beside the altar; for it is most holy;
World English Bible
Moses spoke to Aaron, and to Eleazar and to Ithamar, his sons who were left, “Take the meal offering that remains of the offerings of Yahweh made by fire, and eat it without yeast beside the altar; for it is most holy;
Douay-Rheims
And Moses spoke to Aaron, and to Eleazar and Ithamar, his sons that were left: Take the sacrifice that is remaining of the oblation of the Lord, and eat it without leaven beside the altar, because it is holy of holies.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Moses saide vnto Aaron and vnto Eleazar and to Ithamar his sonnes that were left, Take the meate offring that remaineth of the offrings of the Lord, made by fire, and eate it without leauen beside ye altar: for it is most holy: