Leviticus 9:23 - Meaning and Application

We are not told exactly what Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle to do (Leviticus 9:23). Some Jewish writers say they went in to pray for the appearance of God’s glory. More likely, Moses went in to instruct Aaron how to carry out the sacred service there, such as burning incense, lighting the lamps, and arranging the bread of the Presence, so that he could also teach his sons.

When they came out, they both joined in blessing the people, who were waiting for the promised display of God’s glory. It was at that point, when Moses and Aaron were united in prayer, that the people received what they had been waiting for. God’s showing of himself, in glory and grace, usually comes in answer to prayer. When Christ was praying, heaven was opened (Luke 3:21). God’s glory appeared not while the sacrifices were being offered, but when the priests prayed, as in (2 Chronicles 5:13), and when they praised God. This suggests that the prayers and praises of God’s spiritual priests are more pleasing to him than burnt offerings and sacrifices.

When the ceremony was complete, the blessing had been spoken, and the congregation was ready to go home at the close of the day, God gave this sign of his acceptance. It brought them great satisfaction, well worth the waiting.

The glory of the Lord appeared to all the people (Leviticus 9:23). We are not told what form this appearance took, but it surely gave its own clear proof. The glory that had filled the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34) now showed itself at the entrance to the tabernacle for those who were gathered there, like a prince appearing before a waiting crowd to please them. By this, God showed his approval of their offerings and made it clear that he was worthy of all they were doing. Those who faithfully attend to God in the way he has appointed will see enough of his glory to satisfy them deeply. Those who live in God’s house by faith may behold the beauty of the Lord.

Then fire came out from the Lord and consumed the sacrifice (Leviticus 9:24). Bishop Patrick makes a very likely suggestion, that Moses and Aaron remained in the tabernacle until it was time for the evening sacrifice, which Aaron offered, though the text does not mention it because it was part of the regular service. This may have been the offering that the fire from the Lord consumed. Whether the fire came from heaven, from the Most Holy Place, or from the visible glory of God that all the people saw, it was a clear sign that God accepted their service, just as he later accepted Solomon’s sacrifice (2 Chronicles 7:1) and Elijah’s (1 Kings 18:38).

This fire consumed, or as the word means, “ate up,” the offering. It showed God’s acceptance in two ways. First, it showed that God’s wrath had turned away from them. God’s wrath is a consuming fire, and that fire could justly have fallen on the people for their sins. Instead, it fell on the sacrifice and consumed it, showing that the sacrifice was accepted as an atonement for the sinner. Second, it showed that God had entered into covenant and fellowship with them. They ate their part of the sacrifice, and the fire of the Lord ate his part. In this way, he seemed to dine with them, and they with him (Revelation 3:20).

This fire also, as it were, took possession of the altar. It was kindled in God’s house, and it was to remain there as long as the house stood, as we read earlier (Leviticus 6:13). This was also a picture of greater things to come. The Holy Spirit came upon the apostles as fire (Acts 2:3), confirming their calling, just as this fire confirmed the priests. And when that holy fire comes into our own hearts, it stirs godly and devoted feelings toward God, and a holy zeal that burns up the flesh and its sinful desires. That is a sure sign that God accepts us and what we do. Whatever brings glory to God comes from his own grace working in us. We know that we live in God, and God in us, because he has given us his Spirit (1 John 4:13).

From that time on, all their sacrifices and incense had to be offered with this fire. Nothing acceptable goes to God unless it comes from him. We must have grace, that holy fire, from the God of grace, or else we cannot serve him in a way that pleases him (Hebrews 12:28). The priests also had to keep the fire burning by always adding fuel, and that fuel had to be wood, the cleanest kind of fuel. In the same way, those to whom God has given grace must be careful not to put out the Spirit.

The people responded to this display of God’s glory and grace with great joy and deep reverence. They shouted, stirring up one another to holy celebration, now assured that God was near to them, which was part of Israel’s honor as a nation (Deuteronomy 4:7). They also fell on their faces, humbly worshiping the majesty of the God who had shown himself to them. The fear of God that drives us away from him is sinful fear, but the fear that makes us bow before him is gracious fear. Their hearts were strongly affected for the moment, but those impressions soon faded, as usually happens when they come only through what the senses feel. The work of faith lasts much longer.