The “Sin” Of Nadab And Abihu Lev 9:22-10:3

Leviticus 9:22-24Leviticus 9:22-24 And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them, and came down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and peace offerings. 23And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people. 24And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed on the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces. Leviticus 10:1-3Leviticus 10:1-3 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. 2And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. 3Then Moses said to Aaron, This is it that the LORD spoke, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come near me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.

Old Testament Written For Us Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened to them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the world are come.

This Includes Leviticus Seems to be a very dry book but it is of great importance to us all It’s name is derived from Levi – the Priestly tribe Could be called the Priest’s Handbook Reading it today helps us to understand the book of Hebrews In this book we find a valuable lesson for them but also for us today

It Involved Two Priests Nadab & Abihu What happened to them Lev 8 & 9 Lev 9:22-24 God’s glory appeared when Aaron blessed the people Fire came out from the Lord It consumed the fat on the alter The people fell on their faces

It Involved Two Priests Then Nadab and Abihu offered a strange fire to God NIV translates it as “an unauthorized fire” Regardless it was something that God had not commanded Lev 10:2 God was displeased Lev 9:24 to Lev 10:11 Fire went out again and it devoured them both Compare Lev 9:24 to Lev 10:11

Why was God so displeased? Notice Vs 1 “doing that which God had not commanded”

Notice Vs 3 Leviticus 10:3 Then Moses said to Aaron, This is it that the LORD spoke, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come near me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace. “holy”He must be regarded as “holy” He must be consecrated No respect was shown to God No honor was given to God Not sanctified in the eyes of the people

Moses Given Instructions Bodies to be taken outside camp No grieving was permitted by his Father and brothers while consecrated for service Leviticus 10:6-7 And Moses said to Aaron, and to Eleazar and to Ithamar, his sons, Uncover not your heads, neither rend your clothes; lest you die, and lest wrath come on all the people: but let your brothers, the whole house of Israel, mourn the burning which the LORD has kindled. 7And you shall not go out from the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, lest you die: for the anointing oil of the LORD is on you. And they did according to the word of Moses.

Since written for our learning, what have we learned? Hopefully, the following things:

Regarding The Worship Of God We worship according to his commands They didn’t do this Lev 10:1 When we do not regard sanctity Vs 3 When we do not glorify him Vs 2 God is worthy of it Can we read the mind of God to worship him better than he has commanded

Regarding The Worship Of God Isa 55:8-9 No Jn 4:24 Jesus commanded us to … No Mechanical Instruments Eph 5:19, Col 3:16 Has God commanded these? Does God know what he wants? What does he tell us about our singing?

Regarding The Priority Of God Service to God comes before service to the family They were not allowed to grieve – what was that about? – must show God reverence Others had to take the bodies away Vs 4-5 Aaron had been consecrated and service to God came first Vs 6-7 Do people do that today? Who comes first with people today?

Jesus Made Similar Points Calling followers Lk 9:59-62Calling followers Lk 9:59-62 Address multitude Lk 14:25-33Address multitude Lk 14:25-33 Prepares the disciples Lk 10:34-37 Prepares the disciples Lk 10:34-37 When conflict comes, who is comes first? Matt 10:34-37 When conflict comes, who is comes first? Matt 10:34-37 When families say no to God Matt 10:37 When families say no to God Matt 10:37 If fail to obey the gospel 2 Thess 1:6-8 If fail to obey the gospel 2 Thess 1:6-8

Consequences when men fail God! Cain Gen 5:5 Warning in Jude 1:2 Moses kept out of the promise land Notice the stern warnings, 2Jn 1:9-11, Gal 1:8-9, 1 Jn 3:4 What is the consequence for disobedience Rom 6:23

Conclusion Should humble us before God!Should humble us before God! Remind us how serious it is to serve him!Remind us how serious it is to serve him! Do we glorify him in the service we give?Do we glorify him in the service we give? Do we serve him before family & everything including our friendsDo we serve him before family & everything including our friends Are we encouraged to do better by what happened to Nadab and AbihuAre we encouraged to do better by what happened to Nadab and Abihu