he sin and death of Nadab and Abihu. (1,2) Aaron and his sons
forbidden to mourn for Nadab and Abihu. (3-7) Wine forbidden to
the priests when in the service of the tabernacle. (8-11) Of
eating the holy things. (12-20)
Verse 1,2: Next to Moses and Aaron, none were more likely to be
honourable in Israel than Nadab and Abihu. There is reason to
think that they were puffed up with pride, and that they were
heated with wine. While the people were prostrate before the
Lord, adoring his presence and glory, they rushed into the
tabernacle to burn incense, though not at the appointed time;
both together, instead of one alone, and with fire not taken
from the altar. If it had been done through ignorance, they had
been allowed to bring a sin-offering. But the soul that doeth
presumptuously, and in contempt of God's majesty and justice,
that soul shall be cut off. The wages of sin is death. They died
in the very act of their sin. The sin and punishment of these
priests showed the imperfection of that priesthood from the very
beginning, and that it could not shelter any from the fire of
God's wrath, otherwise than as it was typical of Christ's
priesthood.
Verses 3-7: The most quieting considerations under affliction are
fetched from the word of God. What was it that God spake? Though
Aaron's heart must have been filled with anguish and dismay, yet
with silent submission he revered the justice of the stroke.
When God corrects us or ours for sin, it is our duty to accept
the punishment, and say, It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth
him good. Whenever we worship God, we come nigh unto him, as
spiritual priests. This ought to make us very serious in all
acts of devotion. It concerns us all, when we come nigh to God,
to do every religious exercise, as those who believe that the
God with whom we have to do, is a holy God. He will take
vengeance on those that profane his sacred name by trifling with
him.
Verses 8-11: Do not drink wine or strong drink. During the time they
ministered, the priests were forbidden it. It is required of
gospel ministers, that they be not given to wine, (1Ti 3:3). It
is, Lest ye die; die when ye are in drink. The danger of death,
to which we are continually exposed, should engage all to be
sober.
Verses 12-20: Afflictions should rather quicken us to our duty, than
take us from it. But our unfitness for duty, when it is natural
and not sinful, will have great allowances made for it; God will
have mercy, and not sacrifice. Let us profit by the solemn
warning this history conveys. When professing worshippers come
with zeal without knowledge, carnal affections, earthly, light,
vain, trifling thoughts, the devices of will-worship, instead of
the offering of soul and spirit; then the incense is kindled by
a flame which never came down from heaven, which the Spirit of a
holy God never sent within their hearts.
he sin and death of Nadab and Abihu. (1,2) Aaron and his sons
forbidden to mourn for Nadab and Abihu. (3-7) Wine forbidden to
the priests when in the service of the tabernacle. (8-11) Of
eating the holy things. (12-20)