Definition: And Moses diligently sought the goat of the sin offering, and, behold, it was burnt: and he was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar, the sons of Aaron [which were] left [alive], saying,
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 10:16. It's a really important passage about God’s judgment and a crucial moment in the story of Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: God is angry with Aaron’s sons: Before this verse, we see that Aaron’s sons – particularly Eleazar and Ithamar – were banished from the palace and left to die. This was a very serious situation because Aaron was considered God's representative on Earth and his sons were responsible for carrying out religious duties. What happened next? Moses Searches for a Goat: Moses, who was tasked with purifying the Tabernacle (the house of God), traveled far and wide to find a goat – specifically, the “sin offering.” This was a special animal sacrificed to remind God that the Israelites were still making mistakes. The Goat is Burned: He finally found a goat, but it wasn’t a normal goat. It was deliberately burned by a craftsman. This burning was a very powerful symbol of God's wrath and judgment. Moses Gets Mad: Moses was incredibly angry with Eleazar and Ithamar – the sons of Aaron – because they were left alive! He felt betrayed and deeply upset. What does this verse tell us? God’s Justice is Clear: This verse shows that God isn't just annoyed; he’s actively punishing those who break his rules or fail to follow his instructions. It highlights that God's judgment is absolute and doesn’t tolerate wrongdoing. A Reminder of Responsibility: The burning of the goat serves as a stark reminder to the Israelites – and to everyone – to be faithful in their worship and obedience to God. It emphasizes the importance of following God’s commands without question. A Focus on Obedience: It's a powerful message about the need for unwavering commitment to God's will. In short, this verse is a dramatic illustration of God's righteous anger when people fail to follow his instructions and disobey him. --- To help me explain it even better and tailor it to your needs, could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand about this verse? (e.g., Are you curious about the context of the story? Do you want a deeper explanation of the symbolism?) Why are you asking me to explain it? (Are you studying for a test, reading a specific passage, or just generally interested in biblical understanding?)