In a crisp reality check, two priests made an unauthorized offering before the Lord—contrary to his painstakingly explained instructions. So fire came out of the presence of the Lord and consumed them.
Best to follow instructions. Like grabbing a downed power line, Nadab and Abihu got toasted. Why did these newly ordained priests ignore what had been clearly explained to them only days before?
They clearly did not respect the Lord enough to follow his commands given through Moses. Perhaps their newly privileged position swelled their hearts, leading to a less than respectful, even flippant attitude? Were any of their fellow priests around when they loaded their censors? Were they warned, or did they stride in on their own?
This scene serves as a stark reminder of the Lord’s holiness. It also shows our need for a mediator, an intercessor between you and me and this overpoweringly Holy God. Thankfully, Jesus serves this role. The writer of Hebrews points out:
Since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess…Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we my receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
I don’t imagine any of the priests who served after this incident approached the Lord with confidence. They checked and double-checked their protocols of sacrifice. They moved with trepidation, hoping to avoid the fate of the sons of Aaron. You and I however (thanks to nothing we’ve ever done), can move toward God with boldness and presence of mind.
Because Jesus took the jolt of fire meant for us.
Leviticus 10 & Hebrews 4 in Through the Bible in 2024
Photo by Jonas Frey
Good reminder. Sometimes it is so stark like that (Annanias and Sapphira come to mind).