Do you remember how the Book of Exodus ended?

“Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. And Moses was NOT ABLE TO ENTER into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” Exodus 40:34-35, Moses was NOT able to enter into the Tent/Tabernacle!

And, best I can tell … no one else enters that Holy Place, until the Leviticus 9-10 Pericope/Block of Scripture. Until we are a third of the way through Leviticus! (Actually 37% to be exact.)

Leviticus chapters 1-7, in review, tell us the “Law of the Offerings.” With God Almighty himself speaking! But Moses is nowhere said to be “in” the Tabernacle as he receives this Legislation! These Rites include a lot of BLOOD being shed!

Then Leviticus chapters 8-9, in review, record the sanctification or consecration, dedication of the Priests … so that they can (at some point) enter the Tabernacle and serve the Lord, representing the people of Israel.

Then finally, in Leviticus 9:22, after all these chapters of detailed Preparation … “And Moses and Aaron WENT INTO THE TABERNACLE OF THE CONGREGATION, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people.”

Wow!

A third of the Pentateuch’s central Book (Leviticus) … dedicated to getting man back into the Presence of God! Back into Harmony, Fellowship, Communion! (Where he was in the first place, back in Eden, prior to his ill advised sin!)

But what about Leviticus chapter 10? The Lesson Title says it is also included in this review. That’s where two men … in an unauthorized fashion … try to gain entrance into the Presence of God! Nadab and Abihu … “strange fire!” Intrusion based on human will, not God’s Will! And they died for that grave error!

Wow!

It took BLOODSHED.

And it took a DEDICATED PRIESTHOOD!

Both to get us back into the auspices of God’s Amazing Grace! To this degree anyway … “And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day” … God coming down to fellowship with His creation, with Adam and Eve! (Genesis 3:8)

Oh, and I am learning more about it daily … the “order” of the Books of the Old Testament! Particularly (right now) the Books of Moses!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

The Lord willing, more tomorrow!

.