10:1,2
In the previous chapter we had seen the inauguration of the priesthood and everything seemed to go well. Everything was done in accordance with God’s instructions, the sacrifices were accepted, and the people saw all this. Now we have a disaster. Two of Aaron’s sons offer unauthorised fire, or “strange fire” in some versions, and are themselves consumed. The Law offered perfect instructions, but was given to an imperfect people.
It is not clear why Nadab and Abihu thought that offering this fire was a good idea, they may have been copying some ritual from another religion. Whatever the reason, God did not consider it a good idea. God determines how people are to approach Him, we do not. Sadly the church is often trying to use its own ideas about what pleases God, rather than seeking to follow God’s given commands.
10:3-5
Moses then speaks to his brother. “Among those who approach me I will be proved holy”. This applies to the priests, they were the ones who approached God. “In the sight of the people I will be honoured”, this applies to all the people, God will demonstrate Himself as holy before them. The two bodies were carried outside of the camp. Hess sees parallels between this incident and the death of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts.
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