Leviticus 10:1-20
We were reminded in ch. 9 that it was possible for priests "taken from among men" to sin. Sadly, we do not have to go very far to prove the truth of this. On each occasion that God has put man into a new relationship, he has been proved incapable of facing up to it. Up till now, every detail has been carried out "as the LORD commanded", (an expression repeated fourteen times in ch. 8 and 9). But now Nadab and Abihu, the two eldest sons of Aaron, do that which "the LORD . . . commanded them not" (v. 1). Only just consecrated, they bring before the LORD strange fire, not coming from the altar. The solemn chastisement which followed reminds us how serious it is to substitute our own will for the Word of God (cf. 2 Samuel 6:3 . . . , the incident of the ark placed on a new cart, followed by the death of Uzzah). Just so, fleshly thoughts which excite the emotions (strong drink) are not to be tolerated in rendering worship to God. Blatantly to despise known truths brings the transgressor under the government of God. On the other hand, as the end of this chapter shows, the LORD is full of mercy towards the ignorant and those out of the way, as well as toward those who bow under His discipline.