Nadab and Abihu -Leviticus 10

 

Leviticus 10 – Nadab and Abihu

 

Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron took their censer, and put fire and incense there in and offered strange fire before the Lord, which He did not command them to do.  And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord. This was willful and deliberate disobedience to the command of God.  The ritual they followed was contrary to God’s way.  Their timing was out of step with the God-given ritual, and they intruded beyond the veil which was forbidden.  God had commanded them as to the manner, the time, and the place.  They were wrong in all three. 

It is still true today that “to obey is better than sacrifice.” God will not accept worship in our own will, no matter how sincere. We are to come with a true heart in full assurance of faith.

Aaron’s attitude and conduct are noticeable.  He maintains a demeaner of silence.  There is no cry of disappointment, grief, or resentment toward God.  He bows in heartbroken submission to the will of God. They called cousins of the slain men to remove the dead bodies from the sanctuary.  As the people looked in awe, they were carried out of the camp. 

Some say, it appeared that Nadab and Abihu had acted under the influence of alcohol.  The priest is to serve the Lord with a clear, steady, and sober mind.  The believer is to draw his dynamic and his zeal from the Spirit of the Lord and not from earthly props.  True values are distorted and there is a breakdown in morals because of the use and abuse of alcohol.  The priest must keep the statutes of the Lord so that he can teach them to the people.

Aaron’s remaining two sons, also failed in the sin offering which was to be eaten in the holy place and that had not been done. Although the blood had been offered, the portion that belonged to the priests had not been eaten.  They had omitted doing this, possibly not realizing the importance of it.  Aaron assumed responsibility for his sons. And Moses was satisfied with the explanation. 

God is dealing in mercy today, giving time for repentance and for men o come to the knowledge of the truth.  Otherwise, many people would be struck dead.  We are not making the rules.  God is the One who saves, and He is the One who says how we shall be saved.

 

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Study from J. Vernon McGee commentary