fidzbit

In Leviticus 10 we read the tragic story of two priests who were literally playing with fire – and not just ordinary fire! The occasion was the first ordination of Aaron and his sons into God’s priesthood. Everything had been done according to God’s command. The ordinands were anointed with oil, the animals were slain, the blood sprinkled, and the sacrifice laid out on the altar. As Aaron pronounced God’s blessing over the people God revealed his glory and sent fire from heaven to consume the offering (9:24). Then Nadab and Abihu start offering incense that God has not commanded – and the fire from heaven consumed them too (10:2).   Why did they act like this? Was there a presumptuous bravado in their position as priests? Did they think they had already ‘arrived’? Did they think their special priestly status put them above the people and above the law?   It should have been an occasion of great hope. God had separated his people from the pagan world of ancient Egypt in order that the