Leviticus 10 - The Sin of Nadab and Abihu | Bible Podcast, David Alley, Peace Christian Church

In this video listen to Leviticus 10 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.

In Leviticus 10 all four sons of Aaron’s make mistakes in the Levitical worship system. Firstly Nadab and Abihu have just seen in the previous chapter how approaching God produced fire on the sacrifice, and it was glorious. They now presume and approach God but not the way he asked, and instead it is them who are consumed by fire.

The stakes are now much higher. God isn’t someone to be taken for granted. In the New Testament the story of Ananias and Sapphira is like this, where they presumed that they could do whatever and God would approve. Early in the spiritual life of the children of Israel, God is demonstrating the seriousness of approaching him properly.

And if we are all priests before Him, it indicates we too are to approach God in all seriousness. There shouldn’t be any presumption, or assuming that whatever is good enough for God. People seem to forget that God is both loving and a righteous judge. The judgements of God are conveniently forgotten. But they will catch up with all people at some point. These points illustrate that we consider Christ seriously regardless as to whether there is instant judgment or delayed judgement.

Then we see the failing of Aaron’s other two sons Eleazar and Ithamar. Their mistake wasn’t presumption, but forgetfulness as they tried to serve God, but neglected to eat the sacrifice. Here there is grace at work, rather than with Nadab and Abihu who were presumptuous. Aaron intercedes for them and mercy is extended. So we have here the intercession of a high priest (Christ) for the other priests. (us)

This demonstrates that all priests make mistakes, but our approach to God should be that of a resolve to please God to the best of our abilities, which results in mercy.