Why could Moses approach God at the burning bush simply by removing his shoes, while Aaron had to wash and prepare before offering sacrifices? And why did two of Aaron’s sons die while presenting an offering?
The difference was the occasion, the responsibility, and the instructions God gave. God’s holiness remained the same.
At the burning bush, God called Moses to receive his commission to deliver Israel. Moses was not entering the tabernacle or offering sacrifices as a priest. This encounter occurred before the establishment of the Aaronic priesthood.
Nevertheless, Moses could not approach carelessly. God commanded:
“Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.” — Exodus 3:5, KJV
Notice that God first said, “Draw not nigh hither.” Moses’ access had limits. Removing his shoes acknowledged the holiness of the place because God was present there. Moses also hid his face because he was afraid to look upon God (Exodus 3:6).
Little outward preparation did not mean little reverence was required. Moses had to obey the instructions God gave for that encounter.
Later, at Mount Sinai, God required the people to prepare themselves, wash their clothes, and observe boundaries around the mountain (Exodus 19:10–12). Moses entered the cloud because God specifically called him to do so (Exodus 24:12–18). He did not possess unrestricted permission to approach God however he pleased.
Aaron’s responsibility was different. As high priest, he served in a ministry God established to represent the people before Him. The sacrifices, garments, washings, and rules of access taught Israel about God’s holiness, man’s sinfulness, and the need for atonement.
God instructed Aaron and his sons to wash their hands and feet before entering the tabernacle or approaching the altar:
“So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not.” — Exodus 30:21, KJV
These washings were commanded acts of ceremonial cleansing. They were not a claim that water could remove guilt or make a man sinless.
Aaron himself needed atonement. Moses told him:
“Go unto the altar, and offer thy sin offering, and thy burnt offering, and make an atonement for thyself, and for the people.” — Leviticus 9:7, KJV
Before ministering for others, Aaron had to acknowledge his own need. His office did not place him above the people’s need for forgiveness.
The two men who died were Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu. Scripture does not say they died because they failed to wash or were ceremonially unclean. It identifies their offense this way:
“And offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.” — Leviticus 10:1, KJV
They brought an offering God had not authorized. Although interpreters discuss precisely what made the fire “strange,” the passage plainly emphasizes their departure from God’s command.
God explained the seriousness of their offense:
“I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified.” — Leviticus 10:3, KJV
Those who represented God before Israel had a responsibility to honor His holiness. Their priestly position did not excuse disobedience; it made their responsibility especially serious.
Moses, Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu were therefore accountable to the same principle: God determines how people may approach Him. Moses obeyed God’s command at the bush. Aaron was required to obey God’s commands for priestly service. Nadab and Abihu offered what God had not commanded.
For believers today, access to God rests upon Jesus Christ. Unlike Aaron, Jesus had no sins of His own for which to offer sacrifice (Hebrews 7:26–27). Through His blood, believers may draw near to God with confidence (Hebrews 10:19–22).
That confidence should always be joined with reverence:
“Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.” — Hebrews 12:28, KJV
We come confidently because Christ has opened the way, and reverently because the God we approach is holy.
Comments are closed