The Death of Aaron's Sons

Click here to read Leviticus 10.

Chapter 10 records the death of two of Aaron's sons for not following God's instructions. They were Nadab and Abihu. Their sin was that of improvising. Like Moses in Num. 20, they attempted to add to or improve upon God's instructions. (Crucifying Christ twice) They offered unholy fire and they were consumed by it. Aaron was shocked and grieved but Moses explained that this was what the Lord was talking about when He said, "I will be made manifest through those who approach me". Disobedience reflects badly upon God and disobedience by the Christian reflects badly upon Christ.

Moses got his first cousins, Mishael and Elzaphan, to carry Aaron's two sons out of the camp. All were warned not to mourn over the death of the two boys.

Then Moses commanded Aaron and his sons to do the following:

1. Do not drink wine or strong drink when they were about the duties of the Tabernacle.
2. Distinguish between "clean" and "unclean".
3. Teach the people all the statutes of the Lord.

Then he commanded the Priests to eat the remains of the Cereal offering, the wave Offering and the Peace Offering. When he inquired about meat of the Sin Offering, he discovered that it had been burnt and the sons had not eaten it. Moses became angry but Aaron explained that he had gotten behind in his duties because of the events of the day and did not feel that he was "right with the Lord" so he did as he had been commanded, he did not eat of the sacrifice. When Moses heard this, he was content.

Previous Chapter

Return to Outline

Ask Questions

Next Chapter