God’s Holiness and the Priesthood

What You'll Learn

• The consequences of disobedience in worship
• God’s demand for holiness among His priests
• The significance of distinguishing holy from common
• The responsibilities of priests in teaching and offering sacrifices
• The importance of reverence and proper conduct before God

God’s holiness requires reverent obedience and careful distinction in worship and priestly service.

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

Leviticus 10:1 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.

Leviticus 10:2 And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.

Leviticus 10:3 Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.

Leviticus 10:4 And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them, Come near, carry your brethren from before the sanctuary out of the camp.

Leviticus 10:5 So they went near, and carried them in their coats out of the camp; as Moses had said.

Leviticus 10:6 And Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons, Uncover not your heads, neither rend your clothes; lest ye die, and lest wrath come upon all the people: but let your brethren, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which the LORD hath kindled.

Leviticus 10:7 And ye shall not go out from the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: for the anointing oil of the LORD is upon you. And they did according to the word of Moses.

Leviticus 10:8 And the LORD spake unto Aaron, saying,

Leviticus 10:9 Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations:

Leviticus 10:10 And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean;

Leviticus 10:11 And that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the LORD hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses.

Leviticus 10:12 And Moses spake unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons that were left, Take the meat offering that remaineth of the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and eat it without leaven beside the altar: for it is most holy:

Leviticus 10:13 And ye shall eat it in the holy place, because it is thy due, and thy sons’ due, of the sacrifices of the LORD made by fire: for so I am commanded.

Leviticus 10:14 And the wave breast and heave shoulder shall ye eat in a clean place; thou, and thy sons, and thy daughters with thee: for they be thy due, and thy sons’ due, which are given out of the sacrifices of peace offerings of the children of Israel.

Leviticus 10:15 The heave shoulder and the wave breast shall they bring with the offerings made by fire of the fat, to wave it for a wave offering before the LORD; and it shall be thine, and thy sons’ with thee, by a statute for ever; as the LORD hath commanded.

Leviticus 10:16 And Moses diligently sought the goat of the sin offering, and, behold, it was burnt: and he was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar, the sons of Aaron which were left alive, saying,

Leviticus 10:17 Wherefore have ye not eaten the sin offering in the holy place, seeing it is most holy, and God hath given it you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before the LORD?

Leviticus 10:18 Behold, the blood of it was not brought in within the holy place: ye should indeed have eaten it in the holy place, as I commanded.

Leviticus 10:19 And Aaron said unto Moses, Behold, this day have they offered their sin offering and their burnt offering before the LORD; and such things have befallen me: and if I had eaten the sin offering to day, should it have been accepted in the sight of the LORD?

Leviticus 10:20 And when Moses heard that, he was content.

Leviticus 10:1

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.

Study: Nadab and Abihu’s offering of strange fire symbolizes unauthorized worship that disregards God’s explicit commands. Their action shows the danger of approaching God with presumption rather than obedience, highlighting that worship must be done according to God’s instructions to maintain His holiness.

Leviticus 10:2

And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.

Study: The fire from the LORD that consumed Nadab and Abihu demonstrates God’s immediate judgment against disobedience in worship. This event underscores God’s holiness and the seriousness of honoring His commands, especially for those serving in His presence.

Leviticus 10:3

Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.

Study: Moses’ words to Aaron emphasize that God’s holiness is to be sanctified in those who approach Him, and His glory is to be revealed before all people. Aaron’s silence reflects submission and recognition of God’s righteous judgment, teaching humility in the face of divine holiness.

Leviticus 10:4

And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them, Come near, carry your brethren from before the sanctuary out of the camp.

Study: Moses calling Mishael and Elzaphan to remove the bodies shows the need for order and respect even in tragedy. It also highlights the role of the extended priestly family in maintaining the sanctity of the camp and the tabernacle.

Leviticus 10:5

So they went near, and carried them in their coats out of the camp; as Moses had said.

Study: The act of carrying the bodies out of the camp in their coats signifies respect for the dead and the importance of keeping the camp ceremonially clean. This practice protected the community from defilement and maintained God’s holiness among His people.

Leviticus 10:6

And Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons, Uncover not your heads, neither rend your clothes; lest ye die, and lest wrath come upon all the people: but let your brethren, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which the LORD hath kindled.

Study: Moses instructing Aaron and his sons not to mourn with typical signs of grief like uncovering heads or tearing clothes prevents further judgment. It teaches that God’s holiness requires controlled responses and that the community must focus on His purposes rather than emotional displays.

Leviticus 10:7

And ye shall not go out from the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: for the anointing oil of the LORD is upon you. And they did according to the word of Moses.

Study: The command for Aaron and his sons to remain inside the tabernacle door because of the anointing oil reminds us that God’s presence and blessing carry responsibility and protection. Leaving the designated place could bring death, showing the sacredness of their priestly role.

Leviticus 10:8

And the LORD spake unto Aaron, saying,

Study: God’s direct communication to Aaron reaffirms His ongoing guidance and the importance of clear instructions for the priests. This divine speech highlights God’s personal involvement in establishing holiness in worship.

Leviticus 10:9

Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations:

Study: The prohibition against drinking wine or strong drink before entering the tabernacle teaches the necessity of sobriety and clear-mindedness in approaching God. This statute ensures priests serve with full awareness and respect, preventing careless mistakes in sacred duties.

Leviticus 10:10

And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean;

Study: The command to distinguish between holy and unholy, clean and unclean, reveals a foundational principle for Israel’s worship and daily life. This differentiation protects the community’s holiness and teaches moral and ceremonial discernment.

Leviticus 10:11

And that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the LORD hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses.

Study: Priests are charged with teaching God’s statutes to the people, emphasizing their role as spiritual leaders and educators. This responsibility ensures that God’s covenant and holiness are understood and preserved throughout Israel.

Leviticus 10:12

And Moses spake unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons that were left, Take the meat offering that remaineth of the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and eat it without leaven beside the altar: for it is most holy:

Study: Moses instructing Aaron and his sons to eat the remaining meat offering without leaven beside the altar shows the importance of honoring God’s provision and the sacredness of priestly portions. Eating in the holy place signifies communion with God and acceptance of their priestly role.

Leviticus 10:13

And ye shall eat it in the holy place, because it is thy due, and thy sons’ due, of the sacrifices of the LORD made by fire: for so I am commanded.

Study: Eating the offering in the holy place as a due portion for the priests establishes a divine provision for their sustenance. This practice reinforces the connection between the priests’ service and God’s blessing upon them.

Leviticus 10:14

And the wave breast and heave shoulder shall ye eat in a clean place; thou, and thy sons, and thy daughters with thee: for they be thy due, and thy sons’ due, which are given out of the sacrifices of peace offerings of the children of Israel.

Study: Allowing the priests’ families to eat the wave breast and heave shoulder from peace offerings highlights the communal aspect of worship and God’s provision extending to the priestly household. It shows that God cares for those who serve Him faithfully.

Leviticus 10:15

The heave shoulder and the wave breast shall they bring with the offerings made by fire of the fat, to wave it for a wave offering before the LORD; and it shall be thine, and thy sons’ with thee, by a statute for ever; as the LORD hath commanded.

Study: The statute that the heave shoulder and wave breast belong to the priests forever underscores the permanence of God’s covenantal provision. It symbolizes the ongoing relationship between God and His appointed servants.

Leviticus 10:16

And Moses diligently sought the goat of the sin offering, and, behold, it was burnt: and he was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar, the sons of Aaron which were left alive, saying,

Study: Moses’ anger at Eleazar and Ithamar for not eating the sin offering reveals the importance of following God’s instructions precisely. The sin offering’s purpose was to bear the congregation’s iniquity, and neglecting it showed a failure to fulfill priestly duties.

Leviticus 10:17

Wherefore have ye not eaten the sin offering in the holy place, seeing it is most holy, and God hath given it you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before the LORD?

Study: The sin offering’s blood not being brought into the holy place and the failure to eat it in the holy place violated God’s commands. This teaches that the rituals God ordained have specific meanings and must be observed carefully to maintain atonement and holiness.

Leviticus 10:18

Behold, the blood of it was not brought in within the holy place: ye should indeed have eaten it in the holy place, as I commanded.

Study: Moses’ reminder that the sin offering is most holy and must be eaten in the holy place stresses the sacredness of the atonement process. It shows that God’s holiness demands precise obedience in worship practices.

Leviticus 10:19

And Aaron said unto Moses, Behold, this day have they offered their sin offering and their burnt offering before the LORD; and such things have befallen me: and if I had eaten the sin offering to day, should it have been accepted in the sight of the LORD?

Study: Aaron’s response reveals his humility and sensitivity to God’s acceptance of worship. His concern about whether eating the sin offering would be accepted shows the priests’ awareness of God’s holiness and the need for His approval in their service.

Leviticus 10:20

And when Moses heard that, he was content.

Study: Moses’ contentment with Aaron’s explanation demonstrates the importance of trust and communication among God’s servants. It also reflects God’s mercy and understanding in situations of uncertainty within the framework of holiness.

Leviticus 10 recounts the tragic judgment on Nadab and Abihu for offering unauthorized fire before the LORD, underscoring the holiness God demands in worship. The chapter teaches the necessity of reverence, obedience, and proper conduct among the priests who serve God’s people. It also establishes important statutes about sobriety, teaching, and the sacred portions of offerings, highlighting God’s provision and the seriousness of maintaining His holiness in the camp.

Lord, help us to approach You with reverence and obedience, recognizing Your holiness and the seriousness of worship. Teach us to honor Your commands in all we do, especially in serving You and leading others. Guard our hearts from presumption and help us to walk humbly before You, trusting in Your mercy and grace. Amen.

• Pray daily for a heart of reverence and obedience in your worship.
• Read Leviticus 10 aloud, meditating on God’s holiness and commands.
• Journal about areas where you may have approached God carelessly and repent.
• Discuss with your family or small group the importance of honoring God’s instructions.
• Practice sobriety in your devotional time by minimizing distractions and focusing on God.
• Memorize Leviticus 10:9 to remind yourself of the call to clear-minded service.
• Worship God through a song or hymn that celebrates His holiness and grace.

Leviticus 10 powerfully illustrates the holiness of God and the critical importance of reverence in worship. The death of Nadab and Abihu serves as a sobering reminder that God’s commands are not to be taken lightly, especially by those who serve Him. This chapter calls all believers to honor God’s holiness through obedience, teaching, and faithful service, trusting in His provision and mercy.

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