Leviticus 10:1-2 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon… I. THE GRIEVOUS SIN OF NADAB AND ABIHU. II. THE SEVERE PUNISHMENT OF THEIR SIN. The punishment in its severity seems out of proportion to the sin. But on this question two considerations of great importance should be duly weighed. 1. The time at which the sin was committed. They were now getting the sacred ritual into full operation; and it was of essential importance that a people such as the Israelites were at this time should be taught that all sacred things should be reverently regarded, and all religious services performed in a devout spirit and becoming manner, and with minute attention to Divine directions. 2. The persons by whom the sin was committed. They were the elder sons of the high priest, and were consecrated to the holy office of the priesthood, "the very persons whose official charge it was to maintain" the sacredness of religious institutions. A severe punishment was necessary for the welfare of the nation. III. THE EXEMPLARY SUBMISSION OF AARON. IV. THE BURIAL OF THE BODIES OF THE OFFENDERS. What a sight that was passing through part of the camp — the dead bodies of two men recently so distinguished in relationship and office, now so distinguished as examples of the awful judgments of God, and in their priestly vestments too! How fitted to impress even the most frivolous with the sacredness of Divine institutions and the dread peril of violating Divine directions! V. THE MOURNING BECAUSE OF THE JUDGMENT UPON THE OFFENDERS. VI. THE LEGISLATION TO WHICH THESE THINGS GAVE RISE (vers. 8-11). 1. The law. That the priests should abstain from every kind of intoxicating drink during their sacred ministrations (cf. Ezekiel 44:21). 2. The reasons by which the law was enforced. (1) That their perceptions might be clear, and their judgment true in the duties of their holy office (ver. 10). (2) That they might teach the people all God's statutes (ver. 11). (3) The law was further enforced by a stern penalty for its violation, "Lest ye die." VII. THE SUBJECT SUGGESTS LESSONS: 1. On worship. We should worship God in the way which He has appointed — with humility, with reverence, &c. 2. On sin and its punishment. Every sin, unless repented and forgiven, must be punished. But presumptuous sins, such as that of Nadab and Abihu seems to have been, are specially heinous and ruinous (cf. Numbers 15:30, 31; Psalm 19:13). 3. On submission to the will of God. Imitate Aaron in this. 4. On fitness for the service of God. Aaron and his sons might not touch or even approach the dead, &c. The servants of God must keep themselves from everything that might defile them. "Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord." 5. On temperance. The wise man wilt be temperate in all things and at all times. When about to enter upon sacred services it is specially advisable to abstain entirely from everything intoxicating. The inspiration for such services should not be spirituous, but spiritual. (William Jones.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. |
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