The main interpretive implication for the reader of the law codes in Torah and the surrounding narratives is to show us not only how holy God is but that he also desires Israel, his people, to be holy.
The law codes show us a way – even though temporarily – a way to dwell with God, and that is the desire of this Holy God – to dwell with his creation. The laws were a temporary way to keep Israel holy, to keep them set apart by providing order for Israel and wisdom for the reader. Unfortunately, while the law codes are good and serve that two-fold purpose, they cannot change the heart of Israel. An example of the wisdom read within the law codes is the story of Aaron and the setting up of the priesthood. In Leviticus 10 the discussion revolves around the role of the priests. The Mosaic Covenant and the law codes within it show us that there was a discussion taking place on the interpretation of the law codes between the two brothers, Moses and Aaron. Immediately preceding this Aaron’s son were devoured or ‘eaten’ by God’s fire because they did not treat God as ‘holy’. They offered ‘strange fire’ and were consumed.[1]
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After the two brothers discuss the interpretation of the law code, Moses agrees that it is the condition of his heart that determines the end result. Throughout the scriptures, this interpretive role goes on to explain the meanings of Scripture, the Torah and to distinguish between what is holy and not holy, what is clean and