Leviticus 10 records the inaugural service of the Aaronic priesthood.

1. Audacity of offering strange fire (Lev 10:1): The LORD had just manifested His glory in the midst of His people (Lev 9:23-24). Then, Nadab and Abihu, offered “strange fire” to the LORD. The repeated use of “and” (Lev 10:1) shows that Nadab and Abihu deliberately decided to offer “strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not” (Lev 10:1). Their act was an act of great dishonour, rebellion and mockery against God and against the priesthood.

We must not dabble outside of the permissive will of God as revealed in His Word. Our whole life must be a life of “living sacrifice” (Rom 12:1), not just our acts of service or offerings. Are you sure you are not offering “strange fire” before the LORD?

2. Judgment of strange fire (Lev 10:2): The fire that burnt up Nadab and Abihu was a fire that came from the LORD, and the people witnessed it. Mishael and Elzaphan, as instructed by Moses, “carried them in their coats out of the camp” (Lev 10:5). The bodies of Nadab and Abihu were burnt up in such a way that their priestly coats and their bodies did not turn into ashes but were still intact, and thus they were able to be carried out. This is a clear indication that the burning of Nadab and Abihu was a judgment from the LORD. The same fire of the LORD that bestowed blessing (in Lev 9) became judgment from the LORD (in Lev 10).

3. Warning against offering strange fire (Lev 10:3): The LORD judged swiftly, showing that all who approach Him must come in holiness and purity according to His commands, and not in their own way which they think is better. The LORD said, “I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified” (Lev 10:3).

The holiness and glory of God must be held in high regard. Understanding this, Aaron submitted to God’s doing, even to his own two sons. When the children of Israel saw the two bodies being brought “out of the camp” (Lev 10:4), it served as a warning not to undermine the worship and glory of God. Moses’ instruction was that there was to be no mourning, because mourning would imply that the LORD was overly harsh in judging Nadab and Abihu. They must acknowledge that God’s judgment was justified.

Serving the most high God demands faithfulness, responsibility and commitment. The way we worship and serve God must be according to His will, without any carelessness and selfishness on our part. Then it will be the most glorifying and pleasing to the LORD.