Biblical Context:
The event of Moses' inquiry and Aaron's explanation is found in the Book of Leviticus, specifically in Leviticus 10:16-20. This passage occurs shortly after the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests and the tragic incident involving Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's sons, who offered unauthorized fire before the Lord and were consumed by divine fire as a result (Leviticus 10:1-2).

Scriptural Account:
Following the death of Nadab and Abihu, Moses diligently sought to ensure that the remaining priestly duties were carried out according to the Lord's commands. In Leviticus 10:16-18 , it is recorded:

"Moses inquired carefully about the goat of the sin offering, and behold, it had been burned up. So he was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s remaining sons, and asked, 'Why did you not eat the sin offering in the sanctuary area? It is most holy, and He has given it to you to take away the guilt of the congregation and to make atonement for them before the LORD. Since its blood was not brought inside the holy place, you should have eaten it in the sanctuary area, as I commanded.'"

Aaron's Explanation:
In response to Moses' inquiry, Aaron provides an explanation for the deviation from the prescribed ritual. Leviticus 10:19-20 states:

"But Aaron replied to Moses, 'Behold, today they presented their sin offering and their burnt offering before the LORD, and such things as these have happened to me. If I had eaten the sin offering today, would it have been acceptable in the sight of the LORD?' When Moses heard this, it was acceptable in his sight."

Theological Significance:
This passage highlights several key theological themes. First, it underscores the holiness and seriousness of the priestly duties and the sacrificial system established by God. The priests were to adhere strictly to the divine instructions, as these rituals were integral to maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Second, the passage illustrates the tension between ritual observance and the human experience of grief and loss. Aaron's response to Moses reflects a deep awareness of the gravity of the situation following the death of his sons. His decision not to eat the sin offering, despite the command, suggests a sensitivity to the appropriateness of ritual actions in light of personal tragedy.

Third, Moses' acceptance of Aaron's explanation demonstrates a measure of grace and understanding within the covenant community. It acknowledges that while the law is paramount, there is room for compassion and discernment in its application, especially in extraordinary circumstances.

Priestly Responsibility and Compassion:
The incident serves as a reminder of the high calling and responsibility of the priesthood. The priests were mediators between God and the people, tasked with upholding the sanctity of worship and ensuring the people's atonement. However, it also reveals the compassionate nature of God, who understands human frailty and the complexities of life.

In summary, Moses' inquiry and Aaron's explanation provide a profound insight into the balance between law and grace, duty and compassion, within the framework of the Old Testament sacrificial system. This narrative invites believers to consider the importance of obedience to God's commands while also recognizing the need for empathy and understanding in the face of human suffering.