18. Pharisaism and the Law (Leviticus 10:12-20)

• Jun, 23 2025

1. God’s Law Is Alive and PresentMoses reminds the priests of their duties “for so I am commanded” (v. 13), emphasizing that law is not tradition or bureaucracy—it is the living word of God. Rushdoony, quoting Parker, says:“God has no dead-letters in his law-book. The law is alive—tingling, throbbing in every letter.”There are no obsolete statutes in God's covenant. Total obedience is expected, not selective remembrance. 2. Ministerial Law and ResponsibilityWhen Moses discovers the sin offering was not eaten, he reminds the priests of their role: they are to “bear the iniquity of the congregation” (v. 17). This is priestly intercession, a type of Christ. The act of eating the offering was part of making atonement, symbolically identifying with the people’s guilt.“The appropriation of the flesh by the priests is thus made an essential part of the atonement.” – Samuel ClarkThis anticipates Christ’s full bearing of sin. In a ministerial sense, pastors today participate in this through spiritual oversight, counseling, and pronouncing forgiveness in accord with God's Word (cf. Matt. 16:19; 18:18; John 20:22–23). 3. Pharisaism and Misplaced ZealAaron’s excuse was sincere grief and fear: he and his sons felt unworthy, identifying more with the sin of the people than their own priestly privilege. This led them to abstain from eating the offering, but in doing so, they neglected a divine command.The risk here is a Pharisaical logic—that man can create a better morality by going beyond God's Word. Rushdoony calls this the central danger:“Pharisaism is sacrilege; it infringes on God’s sovereignty… to improve on God's Word is to dishonor Him.”The priests erred on the side of humility—but God still demanded obedience, not well-meaning improvisation. 4. Obedience Is Better Than SincerityWhile Moses accepts Aaron’s explanation (v. 20), no legal precedent is established. This was a temporary failure of fearful men, not a model to imitate. Rushdoony warns against:Elevating human emotions or circumstances over the lawCreating new traditions or rules “for greater holiness”This is how Pharisaism creeps in, even through sincere religious devotion. 5. The Law Applied with GraceThough the priests failed, Moses shows pastoral discernment: he is “content” (v. 20). This affirms that obedience to God’s law is not legalism—it must be paired with understanding and mercy.Rushdoony draws connections to Christ’s own rejection of Satan’s temptations in the wilderness:“It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matt. 4:4)Christ rejected even well-packaged humanitarianism when it contradicted God's command. This is the corrective to all forms of Pharisaism—absolute fidelity to Scripture. SEO Summary:Aaron’s sons sin offering not eaten – explainedwhat does it mean to “bear the iniquity” as a priestRushdoony on Leviticus 10:12–20Pharisaism vs biblical obedienceministerial forgiveness and church disciplinedifference between sincere error and rebellion in the Bible

Author

R.J. Rushdoony

Chalcedon Founder

Narrated by

Nathan F. Conkey

Narrator, teacher, missionary