Leviticus 16:2
And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the veil before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.
Leviticus 16:2 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Exodus, God instructs Moses to relay a message to his brother, Aaron. God warns Aaron not to enter the holy place behind the veil, where the ark and mercy seat are located, at all times to prevent his own death. The mercy seat, which is on top of the ark, is the symbol of God's presence among the Israelites. The cloud that appears on the mercy seat represents the glory of God and His manifestation to His people. By instructing Aaron to approach the mercy seat with caution, God emphasizes the need for reverence and respect in His presence. This command serves as a reminder of the holiness of God and the importance of following His instructions diligently to avoid facing His wrath. It also showcases the significance of the mercy seat as a place of divine connection and communication with God. Overall, this verse highlights the importance of obedience and reverence in approaching God's presence and serves as a guide for the Israelites to maintain a respectful relationship with their Creator.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse is centered around the importance of reverence and respect for the holiness of God. The command for Aaron to not enter the holy place at all times highlights the need for approaching God with fear and trembling. The mercy seat, where God's presence would appear in the form of a cloud, symbolizes God's throne of grace where sinners can approach Him for forgiveness. If Aaron were to disregard the boundaries set by God, he risked facing death due to the holiness of God's presence. This verse serves as a reminder of the necessity of approaching God with humility and obedience, acknowledging His sovereignty and holiness. By following God's instructions, Aaron and the Israelites are able to experience the fullness of God's mercy and grace without facing the severe consequences of disobedience.
Leviticus 16:2 in other translations
American Standard Version
and Jehovah said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the veil, before the mercy-seat which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy-seat.
World English Bible
and Yahweh said to Moses, “Tell Aaron your brother, not to come at all times into the Most Holy Place within the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark; lest he die: for I will appear in the cloud on the mercy seat.
Douay-Rheims
And he commanded him, saying: Speak to Aaron thy brother, that he enter not at all into the sanctuary, which is within the veil before the propitiatory, with which the ark is covered, lest he die, (for I will appear in a cloud over the oracle),
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the Lord sayd vnto Moses, Speake vnto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the Holy place within the vayle, before the Merciseate, which is vpon the Arke, that he dye not: for I wil appeare in the cloude vpon the Merciseate.