This verse shows that holiness cannot be treated lightly and must be approached with the utmost reverence.
Aaron, who lived during the late 15th century BC and served as Israel’s first high priest, is given a precise command in Leviticus 16:23 as part of the instructions for the Day of Atonement while the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness of Sinai. This command states, “Then Aaron shall come into the tent of meeting and take off the linen garments which he put on when he went into the holy place, and shall leave them there” (v.23). The “tent of meeting” was a portable sanctuary where God’s presence dwelled among His people, signifying a sacred space that required careful adherence to divine guidelines. By removing and leaving the linen garments—specially worn for the sacred ceremony—Aaron demonstrates humility and respect for God’s holiness. These garments, set apart only for holy functions, cannot be taken lightly, symbolizing that the work of atonement belongs to a realm distinct from the ordinary.
The linen garments represent purity and reverence, emphasizing that the priest must be spiritually and physically prepared to stand in for the nation’s sins. In “Then Aaron shall come into the tent of meeting and take off the linen garments…” we see how human priests, even in their elevated role, are ultimately separate from God’s perfect holiness. This foreshadows the greater High Priest, Jesus, who permanently bridged the gap between God and humanity once for all (Hebrews 7:23-27). Aaron’s task was cyclical—repeated each year—whereas Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross accomplishes eternal atonement.
The act of leaving the garments behind also conveys that the holiness of God’s presence is not something to be casually carried out into everyday life. “…and shall leave them there” highlights a transition from the sacred duties back into normal routines, reminding believers that approaching God requires both preparation and reverence. While modern followers of Christ find the sacrificial system fulfilled in Jesus (Hebrews 9:11-12), the principle of showing due reverence remains pertinent, as God’s glory warrants our continued awe and careful obedience.
Set to dark mode
Leviticus 16:23 meaning
Aaron, who lived during the late 15th century BC and served as Israel’s first high priest, is given a precise command in Leviticus 16:23 as part of the instructions for the Day of Atonement while the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness of Sinai. This command states, “Then Aaron shall come into the tent of meeting and take off the linen garments which he put on when he went into the holy place, and shall leave them there” (v.23). The “tent of meeting” was a portable sanctuary where God’s presence dwelled among His people, signifying a sacred space that required careful adherence to divine guidelines. By removing and leaving the linen garments—specially worn for the sacred ceremony—Aaron demonstrates humility and respect for God’s holiness. These garments, set apart only for holy functions, cannot be taken lightly, symbolizing that the work of atonement belongs to a realm distinct from the ordinary.
The linen garments represent purity and reverence, emphasizing that the priest must be spiritually and physically prepared to stand in for the nation’s sins. In “Then Aaron shall come into the tent of meeting and take off the linen garments…” we see how human priests, even in their elevated role, are ultimately separate from God’s perfect holiness. This foreshadows the greater High Priest, Jesus, who permanently bridged the gap between God and humanity once for all (Hebrews 7:23-27). Aaron’s task was cyclical—repeated each year—whereas Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross accomplishes eternal atonement.
The act of leaving the garments behind also conveys that the holiness of God’s presence is not something to be casually carried out into everyday life. “…and shall leave them there” highlights a transition from the sacred duties back into normal routines, reminding believers that approaching God requires both preparation and reverence. While modern followers of Christ find the sacrificial system fulfilled in Jesus (Hebrews 9:11-12), the principle of showing due reverence remains pertinent, as God’s glory warrants our continued awe and careful obedience.