When Moses heard this, he was satisfied. Moses hears Aaron's explanation and is satisfied — the apparent violation is accepted as appropriate under the extraordinary circumstances. The satisfaction that Moses expresses communicates the flexibility within the rigor of the Levitical system: the regulations exist to serve the covenant relationship, and in circumstances as extraordinary as the death of two priests on the first day of the ministry, a deviation from the ordinary procedure may be the more appropriate response. The God who gave the regulations through Moses is the God who, through Moses' satisfaction, accepts Aaron's theological reasoning. The Levitical system has room for pastoral wisdom within the structure of divine command.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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