And these are the names of the sons of Aaron; Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests which were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest’s office. And Nadab and Abihu died before the Lord, when they offered strange fire before the Lord, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest’s office in the sight of Aaron their father(Num. 3:2-4).
The Lord had called Aaron and all his descendants into priestly service. And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons (Ex. 28:1). Although the entire Levitical line had been set apart for God (Deut. 10:8), Aaron and his descendants had been separated from the rest and ordained as priests, temporary intercessors between holy God and sinful man (Heb. 5:1-4). This calling, though, did not automatically impart holiness upon the called. Through the Law that God had imparted to Moses, they knew what the Lord expected of them, but each man still had a choice; they could accept the call to service and obedience, or they could reject it in favor of the world in which they lived.
And Nadab and Abihu died before the Lord, when they offered strange fire before the Lord, in the wilderness of Sinai. Here, we learn of the choice of Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's first and second-born sons. For these two men, life was bright with promise. Through their calling, they were given national recognition as God-ordained spiritual leaders. They, along with their father, uncle, and seventy elders of Israel, had been blessed beyond measure when they were allowed to see the God of Israel with their own eyes. Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel: And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under His feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in His clearness. (Ex. 24:9:10). They knew the mighty power of the God they were called to serve, yet they still refused to yield to His will. Inexplicably, they chose death over life in the presence of God.
There are many today who, like Nadab and Abihu, have experienced the call of God and yet have refused to fully answer that call. They have felt God; they have seen Him at work. They have been exposed to His Word, and they know what is being asked of them. Yet, despite all of that experience and knowledge, they still cling fiercely to their own human will. They want to serve Him, but on their terms, not His. They bring their own strange fire into His presence, believing that the Lord rejoices in their independent worship tailored to their personal happiness. They have allowed themselves to be deceived by the god of this world (II Cor. 4:4), and in the throes of that deception, they are choosing death over eternal life in the presence of God.
And why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say (Luke 6:46)? But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great. (Luke 6:49).
Thought for Today: Those who conceitedly focus on self when supposedly worshipping God need a refresher course on the whole concept.
Christ Portrayed: By Aaron, the high priest, who was served by the Levites (Num. 3:6). As a holy and royal priesthood (John 12:26; I Pet. 2:5,9), we serve Christ, our great High Priest (Heb. 4:14).
Word Studies: 3:3 consecrated = installed; 3:4 strange = improper; 3:8 instruments = furnishings; 3:12 matrix = womb; 3:13 hallowed = made holy, set apart; 3:41 firstlings = firstborn; 3:48 odd number = remainder.
Pray For Staff:Judy McCrary • Government Officials: Sen. Richard Blumenthal (CT), Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX) • Country: San Marino (32,742) North Central Italy • Major Language: Italian • Religious Freedom • Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Pour out your heart in prayer to the Lord for your children (Lam. 2:19).
Optional ReadingMark 16