And when Moses heard this explanation, he was satisfied. And when Moses heard thisThe phrase begins with "And," indicating a continuation of a narrative or a response to a preceding event. In the context of Leviticus 10, this follows the tragic incident involving Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's sons, who offered unauthorized fire before the Lord and were consumed by fire as a result. The Hebrew root for "heard" is שָׁמַע (shama), which implies not just the act of hearing but also understanding and obeying. Moses, as the leader and prophet, is attentive to the words and actions of those around him, especially in matters concerning God's commandments. This highlights the importance of spiritual leaders being receptive and discerning, ensuring that they are aligned with God's will. it was acceptable to him
The word "acceptable" in Hebrew is יָשַׁר (yashar), which means to be right, straight, or pleasing. This indicates that Moses found the explanation or action taken by Aaron and his remaining sons to be in accordance with God's will, despite the earlier tragedy. The context here is Aaron's response to Moses regarding the consumption of the sin offering. Moses' acceptance signifies a moment of grace and understanding, recognizing the sincerity and reverence in Aaron's heart despite the deviation from the prescribed ritual. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's mercy and the importance of the heart's intention in worship and obedience. It serves as a reminder that while God desires obedience, He also values the sincerity and humility of His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and to guide them through the wilderness. In this context, Moses is the mediator between God and the people, ensuring that God's commands are followed. 2. AaronThe brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He is responsible for the priestly duties and rituals as commanded by God. 3. Nadab and AbihuThe sons of Aaron who offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, resulting in their death as a divine judgment for their disobedience. 4. Eleazar and IthamarThe remaining sons of Aaron who are instructed to continue the priestly duties after the death of their brothers. 5. TabernacleThe portable dwelling place for the divine presence of God among the Israelites, where the priests performed their duties. Teaching Points The Importance of ObedienceThe incident with Nadab and Abihu highlights the necessity of following God's commands precisely. Disobedience, especially in worship, can have severe consequences. God's HolinessThe event underscores the holiness of God and the need for His people to approach Him with reverence and respect. Leadership and AccountabilityMoses' role as a leader shows the importance of accountability and discernment in leadership, especially in spiritual matters. Grace and UnderstandingMoses' acceptance of Aaron's explanation demonstrates the need for grace and understanding in leadership, recognizing human limitations and the heart behind actions. The Role of IntercessionMoses acts as an intercessor, a role that points forward to Christ as our ultimate intercessor before God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the incident with Nadab and Abihu illustrate the importance of obedience in our own lives, especially in how we approach God? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our worship and service to God are aligned with His commands and not based on our own preferences? 3. How does Moses' response to Aaron's explanation teach us about the balance between justice and mercy in leadership? 4. What can we learn from the role of the Tabernacle in the Israelites' worship that applies to our understanding of God's presence today? 5. How does the concept of intercession in this passage connect to the New Testament understanding of Jesus as our intercessor? How can this shape our prayer life? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 9Provides context for the events in Leviticus 10, detailing the consecration of Aaron and his sons and the beginning of their priestly service. Numbers 3:4References the death of Nadab and Abihu, reinforcing the importance of obedience to God's commands. Hebrews 12:28-29Emphasizes the need for reverence and awe in worship, connecting to the seriousness of approaching God as seen in Leviticus 10. People Aaron, Abihu, Eleazar, Elzaphan, Israelites, Ithamar, Mishael, Moses, Nadab, UzzielPlaces TemanTopics Angry, Content, Hearing, Hearkeneth, Longer, Pleasing, Seemed, Sight, Well-pleasingDictionary of Bible Themes Leviticus 10:16-20 7444 sin offering Library Strange Fire
'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. 2. And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord. 3. Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the Lord spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh Me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace. 4. And Moses called Mishael …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureDecember the Thirteenth the Holy and the Profane
"Put difference between the holy and the unholy." --LEVITICUS x. 1-10. The peril of our day is that so many of these differences are growing faint. The holy merges into the unholy, and we can scarcely see the dividing line. Black merges into white through manifold shades of grey. Falsehood slopes into truth through cunning expediences and white lies. Lust merges into purity through conviviality and geniality and good-fellowship. So is one thing losing itself in another, and vivid moral distinctions …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory.
Who is like unto Thee, O Lord! among the gods? Who is like unto Thee, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders? Thou in Thy mercy hast led Thy people which Thou hast redeemed: Thou hast guided them in Thy strength to the habitation of Thy holiness ... The holy place, O Lord, which Thy hands have established.' --Ex. xv. 11-17. In these words we have another step in advance in the revelation of Holiness. We have here for the first time Holiness predicated of God Himself. He …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ Brief Directions How to Read the Holy Scriptures once Every Year Over, with Ease, Profit, and Reverence.
But forasmuch, that as faith is the soul, so reading and meditating on the word of God, are the parent's of prayer, therefore, before thou prayest in the morning, first read a chapter in the word of God; then meditate awhile with thyself, how many excellent things thou canst remember out of it. As--First, what good counsels or exhortations to good works and to holy life. Secondly, what threatenings of judgments against such and such a sin; and what fearful examples of God's punishment or vengeance …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Value of this Doctrine
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). "Doctrine" means "teaching," …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God The Third Commandment
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.' Exod 20: 7. This commandment has two parts: 1. A negative expressed, that we must not take God's name in vain; that is, cast any reflections and dishonour on his name. 2. An affirmative implied. That we should take care to reverence and honour his name. Of this latter I shall speak more fully, under the first petition in the Lord's Prayer, Hallowed be thy name.' I shall …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Right Understanding of the Law
Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Before I come to the commandments, I shall answer questions, and lay down rules respecting the moral law. What is the difference between the moral laud and the gospel? (1) The law requires that we worship God as our Creator; the gospel, that we worship him in and through Christ. God in Christ is propitious; out of him we may see God's power, justice, and holiness: in him we see his mercy displayed. (2) The moral law requires obedience, but gives …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments No Sorrow Like Messiah's Sorrow
Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Behold, and see, if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow! A lthough the Scriptures of the Old Testament, the law of Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophecies (Luke 24:44) , bear an harmonious testimony to MESSIAH ; it is not necessary to suppose that every single passage has an immediate and direct relation to Him. A method of exposition has frequently obtained [frequently been in vogue], of a fanciful and allegorical cast [contrivance], under the pretext …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Man's Chief End
Q-I: WHAT IS THE CHIEF END OF MAN? A: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever. Here are two ends of life specified. 1: The glorifying of God. 2: The enjoying of God. I. The glorifying of God, I Pet 4:4: That God in all things may be glorified.' The glory of God is a silver thread which must run through all our actions. I Cor 10:01. Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.' Everything works to some end in things natural and artificial; …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Second Commandment
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.' Exod 20: 4-6. I. Thou shalt not …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Leviticus 10:20 NIVLeviticus 10:20 NLTLeviticus 10:20 ESVLeviticus 10:20 NASBLeviticus 10:20 KJV
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