Leviticus 10:1-3

The Sin of Nadab and Abihu

1 Now 1Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took their respective 2firepans, and after putting fire in them, placed incense on it and offered strange fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them.
2 3And fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD.
3 Then Moses said to Aaron, "It is what the LORD spoke, saying, 'By those who 4come near Me I 5will be treated as holy, And before * all the people I will 6be honored.' " So Aaron, therefore, kept silent.

Leviticus 10:1-3 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO LEVITICUS 10

This chapter begins with the sin and punishment of two sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Le 10:1-5 for whose death Aaron and his sons are commanded not to mourn, nor to depart from the tabernacle, Le 10:6,7 and an order is given, prohibiting the priests from drinking wine when they went into it, Le 10:8-11 the law of eating holy things, both those that were more, and those that were less holy, is enjoined, Le 10:12-15 and the flesh of the sin offering not being eaten, but burnt, Aaron's sons are blamed for it, for which he makes an apology to the satisfaction of Moses, Le 10:16-20.

Cross References 6

  • 1. Exodus 24:1, 9; Numbers 3:2; Numbers 26:61
  • 2. Leviticus 16:12
  • 3. Numbers 3:4; Numbers 16:35; Numbers 26:61
  • 4. Exodus 19:22; Leviticus 21:6
  • 5. Exodus 30:30; Ezekiel 38:16
  • 6. Exodus 14:4, 17; Isaiah 49:3; Ezekiel 28:22

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Or "will show Myself holy"
New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, California.  All rights reserved.