Lev 10 | MHCC | e4.org | 1,2 Next to Moses and Aaron, none were more likely to be honourable in Israel than Nadab and Abihu. There is reason to think that they were puffed up with pride, and that they were heated with wine. While the people were prostrate before the Lord, adoring his presence and glory, they rushed into the tabernacle to burn incense, though not at the appointed time; both together, instead of one alone, and with fire not taken from the altar. If it had been done through ignorance, they had been allowed to bring a sin-offering. But the soul that doeth presumptuously, and in contempt of God's majesty and justice, that soul shall be cut off. The wages of sin is death. They died in the very act of their sin. The sin and punishment of these priests showed the imperfection of that priesthood from the very beginning, and that it could not shelter any from the fire of God's wrath, otherwise than as it was typical of Christ's priesthood.

‏ Leviticus 10

* The sin and death of Nadab and Abihu. (1,2) Aaron and his sons

forbidden to mourn for Nadab and Abihu. (3-7) Wine forbidden to

the priests when in the service of the tabernacle. (8-11) Of

eating the holy things. (12-20)

1,2 Next to Moses and Aaron, none were more likely to be

honourable in Israel than Nadab and Abihu. There is reason to

think that they were puffed up with pride, and that they were

heated with wine. While the people were prostrate before the

Lord, adoring his presence and glory, they rushed into the

tabernacle to burn incense, though not at the appointed time;

both together, instead of one alone, and with fire not taken

from the altar. If it had been done through ignorance, they had

been allowed to bring a sin-offering. But the soul that doeth

presumptuously, and in contempt of God's majesty and justice,

that soul shall be cut off. The wages of sin is death. They died

in the very act of their sin. The sin and punishment of these

priests showed the imperfection of that priesthood from the very

beginning, and that it could not shelter any from the fire of

God's wrath, otherwise than as it was typical of Christ's

priesthood. 3-7 The most quieting considerations under affliction are

fetched from the word of God. What was it that God spake? Though

Aaron's heart must have been filled with anguish and dismay, yet

with silent submission he revered the justice of the stroke.

When God corrects us or ours for sin, it is our duty to accept

the punishment, and say, It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth

him good. Whenever we worship God, we come nigh unto him, as

spiritual priests. This ought to make us very serious in all

acts of devotion. It concerns us all, when we come nigh to God,

to do every religious exercise, as those who believe that the

God with whom we have to do, is a holy God. He will take

vengeance on those that profane his sacred name by trifling with

him. 8-11 Do not drink wine or strong drink. During the time they

ministered, the priests were forbidden it. It is required of

gospel ministers, that they be not given to wine, #1Ti 3:3|. It

is, Lest ye die; die when ye are in drink. The danger of death,

to which we are continually exposed, should engage all to be

sober. 12-20 Afflictions should rather quicken us to our duty, than

take us from it. But our unfitness for duty, when it is natural

and not sinful, will have great allowances made for it; God will

have mercy, and not sacrifice. Let us profit by the solemn

warning this history conveys. When professing worshippers come

with zeal without knowledge, carnal affections, earthly, light,

vain, trifling thoughts, the devices of will-worship, instead of

the offering of soul and spirit; then the incense is kindled by

a flame which never came down from heaven, which the Spirit of a

holy God never sent within their hearts.