Also let the priests who come near to the LORD consecrate themselves, lest the LORD break out against them.”
God Himself was the preacher that day, descending in fire with ten thousand holy angels attending His majesty. The mountain shook and smoked as His throne; the trumpet grew louder and louder, calling the guilty to assemble, a sound of war to those who knew their sin.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 19:16-25
These priests, whether the firstborn or heads of families who officiated before Aaron's line, must sanctify themselves like the common people and stay within bounds. The Lord will break out against them as He broke upon Uzzah for touching the ark; nearness to God demands exactness.
AI summary
Priests existed among the Hebrews long before Aaron was consecrated; Moses sought liberty from Pharaoh to sacrifice, which proves both sacrifices and priests were present. But since they had ceased offering for years in Egypt, they themselves had fallen into impurity and needed cleansing before approaching God's mountain.
AI summary