Leviticus 16:13 – “He is to put the incense on the fire before the Lord, and the smoke of the incense will conceal the atonement cover above the tablets of the covenant law, so that he will not die.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Leviticus 16:13 continues the description of the High Priest’s actions on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). After entering the Most Holy Place with a censer of burning coals and two handfuls of incense, Aaron is instructed to put the incense on the fire. As the incense burns, it produces a thick cloud of smoke that fills the Most Holy Place and covers the atonement cover (mercy seat) on the Ark of the Covenant. This smoke serves a critical purpose: it conceals the atonement cover, preventing the High Priest from seeing the direct presence of God, which would result in his death due to God’s overwhelming holiness.
This verse highlights the seriousness of approaching God’s presence and the necessary precautions that must be taken to protect oneself from His glory. The cloud of incense symbolizes a protective barrier, acknowledging both the majesty and the danger of coming face-to-face with a holy God. This ritual reflects the need for humility, reverence, and proper mediation when entering God’s presence.
Historical Context
The book of Leviticus was given to the Israelites after they were delivered from Egypt, providing them with laws and guidelines on how to live as God’s people. The Day of Atonement was the most solemn day of the year for the Israelites, set aside for repentance, confession, and seeking forgiveness for their sins. On this day, the High Priest performed a series of rituals to cleanse the people and the Tabernacle from impurity.
One of the critical rituals involved entering the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. The Ark contained the tablets of the covenant law (the Ten Commandments) and was considered the throne of God’s presence on earth. The High Priest had to approach the Ark with extreme caution, following specific steps to avoid being struck down. The burning of the incense created a cloud that shielded him from directly encountering God’s presence, emphasizing the need for mediation and a careful approach when dealing with the divine.
Theological Implications
Leviticus 16:13 carries deep theological significance regarding God’s holiness and the necessary mediation between a holy God and sinful humanity. The cloud of incense represents the barrier that must exist between God and humans due to the overwhelming purity and holiness of God. This verse emphasizes that no one can casually enter God’s presence; it must be done with humility, preparation, and proper intercession.
This passage also points to the broader theme of atonement. The need for the incense cloud to cover the atonement cover is a powerful reminder that atonement involves a separation of sin from God’s holiness. Theologically, it underscores the fact that God is both transcendent and immanent; He is near to His people but must be approached in a way that acknowledges His absolute purity.
Literary Analysis
Leviticus 16:13 is written with precise, detailed instructions that emphasize the gravity of approaching God. The verse builds on the preceding steps of the Day of Atonement, moving from the preparation of the High Priest to his actions within the Most Holy Place. The language used—“so that he will not die”—is stark and serious, underscoring the danger of entering God’s presence without proper preparation and covering.
The use of the incense and the imagery of smoke filling the Most Holy Place create a powerful picture of God’s holiness. The smoke concealing the atonement cover conveys a sense of both awe and protection. The verse also serves as a literary and theological climax in the Day of Atonement narrative, highlighting the tension between the High Priest’s duties and the danger of standing before God’s glory.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 19:21-22: Describes the need for the people to keep their distance from Mount Sinai when God descended upon it, reflecting the seriousness of God’s presence.
- Isaiah 6:5: Isaiah’s reaction to seeing a vision of God, recognizing his own sinfulness and the danger of being in God’s holy presence.
- Revelation 8:3-4: Shows the incense being offered with the prayers of the saints, connecting the symbolism of incense with the prayers and intercession of God’s people.
- Hebrews 9:3-7: Describes the Most Holy Place and the regulations for entering it, emphasizing the need for a mediator and a proper covering.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Leviticus 16:13 serves as a reminder of the holiness of God and the need for reverence when approaching Him. The use of incense to create a protective covering illustrates the importance of preparation and humility in prayer, worship, and daily life. It challenges believers to recognize that approaching God is a privilege that requires a heart of humility and an acknowledgment of our need for mediation.
This verse also points to the importance of Christ as our mediator. Just as the incense provided a covering for Aaron, Jesus provides the ultimate covering for believers. His righteousness covers our sins and allows us to enter God’s presence with confidence, knowing that we are protected by His grace.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Leviticus 16:13 reveals God’s love in providing a way for His people to safely come into His presence. God desires a relationship with His people but understands the danger of His holiness to sinful humans. The use of incense and the protective cloud it creates shows God’s desire to make a way for His people to draw near to Him without fear of being consumed by His glory.
God’s love is demonstrated in the provision of specific instructions to ensure that the High Priest can carry out his duties without facing death. This shows that God’s love includes providing a safe way for His people to be close to Him, emphasizing His care and concern for their well-being.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Leviticus 16:13 points forward to the perfect work of Jesus Christ, who serves as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. Unlike Aaron, who needed the incense cloud to shield him from God’s presence, Jesus opens the way for us to enter God’s presence directly. His sacrifice on the cross tore the veil that separated the Most Holy Place, symbolizing that we now have full access to God through His atoning work (Matthew 27:51, Hebrews 10:19-20).
Jesus’ intercession for believers goes beyond the symbolic act of incense. He continually intercedes for us before the Father (Romans 8:34), ensuring that we are covered by His righteousness. Because of Jesus, we no longer need a cloud of incense to approach God; we have His perfect righteousness as our covering.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the need for a protective covering of incense in Leviticus 16:13 help you understand the holiness of God?
- What does this verse teach us about the seriousness of approaching God and the need for humility and reverence?
- How can we apply the lessons from this verse in our prayer and worship, recognizing the need for preparation and a humble heart?
- In what ways does Jesus’ role as our perfect mediator encourage you in your relationship with God?
- How does knowing that God provides a way for us to approach Him inspire you to live a life of gratitude and holiness?
This article encourages Christians to reflect on Leviticus 16:13, understanding the importance of humility and preparation when approaching a holy God, and the perfect fulfillment of these requirements in Jesus Christ, who provides the ultimate way to draw near to God.