By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph. D.
Professor of Biblical Studies, University of Mobile
SEPARATION
Leviticus 9:15–10:3
The tribes of Israel were still at Mount Sinai. “And He called” is the literal translation of the Hebrew title for Leviticus because the Lord called Moses from the Tent of Meeting. The title “Leviticus” comes from the Greek title in the Septuagint. All of the instructions in Leviticus were governed by the priestly tribe of Levi, which was set apart for service to God.
Once the tabernacle had been assembled, God gave specific instructions about the offerings to be brought for sacrifice (Lev. 1–7). This was followed by instructions specifically addressing Aaron, his sons and his direct male descendants to come (Lev. 8–10). The highlighted passage for this lesson comes from this second section of Leviticus.
Separated (9:15–21)
Leviticus describes certain objects, individuals and people groups as holy. They were specifically set apart from other things that were for everyday use. God chose to separate the descendants of Jacob to be a “holy nation” (Ex. 19:5–6). Only animals without disease or physical imperfections could be separated for sacrifice.
Only the tribe of Levi had the right to touch and move the tabernacle materials without severe consequences. Only men who were direct descendants from Moses’ brother Aaron were separated to serve as priests. No one else qualified.
The inaugural offerings in this passage initiated the sin offering, burnt offering and grain offering on the altar. By these offerings, the altar and the priests were consecrated as holy, separated and set apart.
Offering Accepted (22–24)
As the designated high priest, Aaron prayed for God’s blessing over the people of Israel. This blessing predates the priestly benediction decreed by God in Numbers 6:22–27, one of the earliest recorded prayers in Israelite liturgical practice.
God demonstrated His acceptance of the sacrifices. Rather than priests igniting a fire beneath the altar grating, the Lord set the offerings ablaze from above. When the fire fell from God, the people shouted and fell prostrate before Him in worship.
Holiness Seen (10:1–3)
The two oldest sons of Aaron — Nadab and Abihu — had been entrusted with burning incense on the altar within the Holy Place. They were to follow the clear instructions given by God regarding the content of the incense (Ex. 30:34–38) and the manner in which it was to be burned.
The young men were entrusted to be holy representatives of God, yet they disregarded His instructions. It is unclear what the exact nature of their disobedience was, but it was worthy of a death sentence.
These priests were set apart for holy service to God. As such, they were held to a greater accountability before God. Readers should not be surprised that they faced a death penalty.
From Genesis 2:17 onward, God made it clear that disobedience carries a death sentence. Jesus paid a death penalty He did not owe in order to save us who trust Him from the wrath of God (John 3:36, Rom. 5:9, 1 Thess. 5:9).
Just as the fire of God burned up the offerings, so did it consume Nadab and Abihu. Their death was a demonstration of God’s righteous judgment. Their utter disregard for their holy calling and their subsequent death were reminders to generations of Israelites and to us. Their brothers Eleazar and Ithamar became priests in their stead, and Eleazar eventually succeeded Aaron as high priest (Num. 20:28).
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