“We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat” (Hebrews 13:10).
As a grade school teacher, I was often asked by a student: “Can I go to the bathroom?” Usually, my response was: “I have no idea. I assume you can, but I have never verified the fact.” Frequently this was met with a rather puzzled look.
Eventually what the student would figure out is that when he is seeking permission to be excused from class and visit the restroom, the issue at hand was not one of ability (I.e., “Can I?”) but one of authority/permission (I.e, “May I?”)
This concept is one that every loving and wise adult should strive diligently to teach every young person. It is for their own good. There is a world of difference between a child having the ability to play with matches vs. Having permission to do so. “Can I play in the street?” is much different than “May I play in the street?”
Spiritually-speaking, this education is even more important. It is an eternal life/eternal death issue.
Cain had the ability to offer up the sacrifice he did, but he did not have God’s permission (Genesis 4:3-5). The priests Nadab and Abihu had the ability to use any fire on the altar at the tabernacle, but they did not have God’s authority (Leviticus 10:3). King Jeroboam had the ability to build and substitute two golden calves to worship in the place of God, but he did not have God’s permission (1 Kings 12:25-33). King Uzziah (see yesterday’s post) had the ability to offer up a sacrifice in God’s temple, but he did not have the authority (I.e., God’s permission) to do so (2 Chronicles 26:16-21).
The Greek noun exousia which is translated “right” in this verse denotes the idea of power as in authority, not ability; it is the freedom or permission to act with God’s approval.
When someone has “no right” (I.e., permission) from God to do or teach something, and he does it any way (because he can), his behavior is viewed by God as “strange” (I.e., unauthorized).
When you have “no right” from God, it is not right to do.
