Within the pages of Leviticus Israel’s worship of the one, true God was clearly defined so that they would know how to maintain a proper relationship with God and man. Leviticus is neatly divided into four sections so that the worshipers and the priests would understand what God required in worship: the five sacrifices observed in worship (Leviticus 1:1-7:38), the beginning of the priestly duties (Leviticus 8:1-10:20), the specifics of uncleanness in worship (Leviticus 11:1-16:34), and the guidelines for individual holiness (Leviticus 17:1-27:34). The five sacrifices/offerings were discussed in Leviticus 1:1-7:38 and then God provided instructions for consecrating the priests as they assisted the people in worship (Leviticus 8:1-9:24). The guidelines were very specific and the Lord expected both the priests and the worshipers to abide by them or else they would face His judgment (see Leviticus 8:35).
Following the consecration of the priests, their ministry began as they would conduct all of the sacrifices outlined in Leviticus 1-7. On that very first day of priestly ministry Aaron and his sons began performing their duties, but Nadab and Abihu (Aaron’s oldest sons) “…each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them” (10:1). Although the specifics of the situation are not given, Aaron’s two sons did something which violated the commands that the Lord had outlined for them concerning the incense (see Exodus 30). The prohibition of alcohol in Leviticus 10:8-9 may also indicate that Nadab and Abihu had administered their duties while intoxicated. As a consequence for their disregard of the Lord’s instructions, God sent fire to consume them (10:2). Moses quickly reminded Aaron that those who come near the Lord were to be holy and reverent (10:3). Rather than defend the actions of his sons, Aaron submitted to the Lord’s requirements and “…held his peace” (10:3b). Aaron’s two eldest sons were carried out of the camp (10:4-5) and he was instructed along with his two younger sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, not to mourn the loss of Nadab and Abihu (10:6-7). The actions of Aaron’s two older sons were a stern reminder about the seriousness of approaching God flippantly. The Lord then spoke directly to Aaron, which is the only occurrence of God speaking directly to Aaron rather than through Moses, and commanded that the priests’ judgment never be clouded by alcohol because they were to conduct themselves in a holy manner (10:8-11). In an effort to prevent further judgment, Moses gave instructions to Aaron and his sons regarding the portions of the sacrifices given to them to eat (10:12-15). In response to this judgment, Moses carefully examined the actions of the priests and discovered that they had burned the entire body of a goat from the people’s sin offering rather than eating it as prescribed (10:16-18). Aaron heard the charge against his two sons and responded that he had not eaten the sacrifice because he was not sure if the Lord would have accepted it in light of everything that had occurred (10:19). When Moses heard the response of Aaron, he seemed to identify with Aaron’s grief and therefore did not push the issue (10:20). This entire circumstance demonstrated the importance of following God’s instructions and never deviating from them. Failure to obey and reverence the Lord would have devastating consequences on those who ignored them.
Dear God, may I approach You in holiness and reverence.
