There is a part of God's holiness that we do not fully understand. This verse can be referenced back to Uzzah's touching of the Ark of the Covenant (2 Samuel 6:6-7). How could transferring holiness to the people harm them? It would have resulted in instant death. God's holiness burns against sin when it comes into contact with it.
I know this causes many people to mock and question, but I am simply reporting what the Bible says. God is holy. His holiness means He is utterly set apart—pure and incomprehensible to us. He can have nothing to do with sin. If a sinful man lays hold of holiness, he is undone. It would be better to grab a thousand gigawatts of electricity.
Some commentators and translations equate this verse to a command to hide the garments, keeping people from turning them into religious relics. While there may be some truth in that, I believe the meaning is deeper. Sanctifying sinful people by direct contact with holiness would bring destruction. Remember the danger of the Holy of Holies to the priest who entered improperly.
So why don’t we see this destruction today? This magnifies the awesome work of Jesus. He satisfied God’s holiness and covers us with His righteousness. When we come into God’s holy presence, His blood prevents our destruction, and His sacrifice satisfies our debt to God’s holiness.
But this truth should not make us complacent. The next fearful display of that holiness will be at the second coming. As Revelation 6:17 says, “For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” Only those covered by the blood of the Lamb will endure.
This makes me deeply thankful for the grace of Jesus. Through His work, God's holiness, once a threat, is now a source of life through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. His sacrifice allows us to draw near to God, not in fear but in reverence and gratitude.
Thank You, Lord, for covering my sin. I drink deeply of Your amazing grace. I am so far from Your holiness, yet You have drawn me close through Christ. Let Your holiness inspire awe in my life and keep me ever mindful of Your glory.
How does the thought of God's holiness shape your view of grace? What steps can you take today to cultivate greater reverence for Him?
Song link:
Holy Fire (Ez. 44:19)Verse 1
The priests would leave their robes within,
Set apart from mortal sin.
Your holy fire, pure and bright,
Would blaze against the darkest night.
Who can stand before the throne,
Where justice shines, and sin is shown?
Chorus
Holy fire, pure and bright,
Burning darkness, breaking night.
But mercy spoke, and love stepped down,
The blood of Christ, my covering crown.
Your holiness, my soul’s embrace,
Redeemed in You—holy fire and grace.
Verse 2
The Ark was touched, the man fell still,
A glimpse of what Your laws fulfill.
But through the Lamb, the veil was torn,
Your wrath and grace forever sworn.
Pre-Chorus
Who can stand before the flame,
Where wrath and love declare Your name?
Chorus
Holy fire, pure and bright,
Burning darkness, breaking night.
But mercy spoke, and love stepped down,
The blood of Christ, my covering crown.
Your holiness, my soul’s embrace,
Redeemed in You—holy fire and grace.
Bridge
Your holiness once brought us fear,
But now in Christ, You draw us near.
No longer trembling at the flame,
We lift our hearts to praise Your name.
Chorus
Holy fire, pure and bright,
Burning darkness, breaking night.
But mercy spoke, and love stepped down,
The blood of Christ, my covering crown.
Your holiness, my soul’s embrace,
Redeemed in You—holy fire and grace.
Outro
The day will come, Your fire will reign,
And all will bow to Your great name.
But through the Lamb, I’ll stand redeemed,
In holy fire, eternally.
