Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 1/14/2009

Question
If anyone touched the covenant they would die.  Why such an extreme
consequence?
My second graders question.
Thank you
Debby

Answer
Hi Debby,

Thanks for this great question.  The Ark of the Covenant was also known as the Mercy Seat.  It was the place where the Blood Atonement was applied that would absolve Israel from their sins once a year. This was the place where the presence of God was revealed.  Any time that people were coming face to face with the Glory of God, it was very important that they be without sin, and do things exactly as they were told... they could not make up the rules as they go.  You can read about two priests who lost their lives because they came before God with the wrong fire in their censers.  Leviticus 10:1-10

It seems strict to us today, but God needed to show His people that He was Holy, and will not tollerate sin, and sin is any kind of disobedience.  Adam and Eve brought death upon all mankind because they ate an apple... it was not the apple that was the big deal, it was disobeying a Holy God.

I hope that this helps you.  I am very sorry that I am so late in my response.

In Christ,
Pastor Don