leviticuslesson9

Allen Ross[1] begins his discussion of the crisis that occurred in the tabernacle ministry at this time with this comment …

History tells us again and again of individuals who had auspicious beginnings filled with promise and yet who in an unguarded moment suddenly fell. The nature of their errors might seem relatively mild at first glance – a leader loses his temper and strikes the rock instead of speaking to it (Numbers 20:9-13), impious hands touch holy things of God’s sanctuary (2 Samuel 6:6-8), unauthorised fire is burned in the holy place (Leviticus 10:1). These events might seem small in our estimation. But this is not God’s estimation, for their error turns what was a place of salvation into a place of judgment.

Many calamities have fallen on the house of the LORD in the shape of apostasies, false doctrines, unholy living, and reckless usurpation. Leviticus 10 is the report of just such a mistake … Leviticus 10 is about divine judgment, not on wicked people in the world but on disobedient priests within the household of faith.

Aaron’s sons made a serious mistake in the early stages of their ministry. It involved the burning of incense. We may wonder just what the problem was when we remember that …

There was a special place for the burning of fragrant incense in the daily services. Among the detailed instructions the Lord gave to Moses for the construction of the tabernacle were those for making an altar for the burning of incense. The specifications for it were precise.

It must be eighteen inches square and three feet high, with horns at the corners carved from the same piece of wood as the altar. Overlay the top, sides, and horns of the altar with pure gold, and run a gold molding around the entire altar. Beneath the molding, on opposite sides of the altar, attach two gold rings to support the carrying poles. The poles are to be made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. (Exodus 30:2-5)

The altar for the burning of the incense was placed near the Ark and was thus associated with the atonement sacrifices. The ministry of the priests with regard to the incense was very specific. The Lord continues his instructions to Moses concerning it.

“Place the incense altar just outside the inner curtain, opposite the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement—that rests on the Ark of the covenant. I will meet with you there.

Every morning when Aaron trims the lamps, he must burn fragrant incense on the altar. And each evening when he tends to the lamps, he must again burn incense in the LORD’s presence. This must be done from generation to generation. Do not offer any unholy incense on this altar, or burnt offerings, grain offerings, or drink offerings.

Once a year Aaron must purify the altar by placing on its horns the blood from the offering made for the atonement of sin. This will be a regular, annual event from generation to generation, for this is the LORD’s supremely holy altar.” (Exodus 30:6-10)

The burning of incense became a symbol for prayer as a fragrant offering to the Lord. David saw it this way as he called to the Lord for urgent help when his life was threatened on one occasion.

O LORD, I am calling to you. Please hurry! Listen when I cry to you for help! Accept my prayer as incense offered to you, and my upraised hands as an evening offering.

I look to you for help, O Sovereign LORD. You are my refuge. Don’t let them kill me. Keep me out of the traps they have set for me, out of the snares of those who do evil. Let the wicked fall into their own snares, but let me escape. (Psalm 141:1-2, 8-10)

When the Lamb broke the seventh seal, there was silence throughout heaven for about half an hour. And I saw the seven angels who stand before God and they were given seven trumpets.

Then another angel with a gold incense burner came and stood at the altar. And a great quantity of incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God’s people, to be offered on the gold altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense, mixed with the prayers of God’s saints, ascended up to God from the altar where the angel had poured them out. Then the angel filled the incense burner with fire from the altar and threw it down upon the earth. And thunder crashed, lightning flashed, and there was a terrible earthquake. (Revelation 8:1-5)

Yes, the burning of incense was to be a part of the service but Nadab and Abihu became careless in the exercise of their ministry. We read what happened.

Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu put coals of fire in their incense burners and sprinkled incense over it. In this way, they disobeyed the LORD by burning before him a different kind of fire than he had commanded. So fire blazed forth from the LORD’s presence and burned them up, and they died there before the LORD.

Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant when he said, ‘I will show myself holy among those who are near me. I will be glorified before all the people.’ ” And Aaron was silent. (vs. 1-3)

We are not told exactly what the nature of their failure was but Duane Lindsey[2] makes this general comment …

The two eldest sons of Aaron, either through ignorance or presumption, offered unauthorised fire before the Lord, contrary to his command. This incident interrupted the regular pattern of the previous two chapters in which everything was done in accord with the commands of the Lord (cf. Leviticus 8:36) … ‘The moral of the story’ as summarized by Moses is that those who have the privilege of being nearest to God must bear special responsibility to exemplify His holiness and glory.

Matthew Henry[3] offers these suggestions as to the specific nature of ‘the great sin that Nadab and Abihu were guilty of.’

But what was their sin? All the account here given of it is that they ‘they disobeyed the LORD by burning before him a different kind of fire than he had commanded.’[4] Nadab and Abihu were so proud of the honor they were newly advanced to, and so ambitious of doing the highest and most honorable part of their work immediately, that though the service of this day was extraordinary, and done by particular direction from Moses, yet without receiving orders, they took their censers and they would enter into the tabernacle and burn incense.

And then their offering of a different kind of fire is the same as offering a different kind of incense, which is strictly forbidden. (Exodus 30:9). Presuming thus to burn incense of their own without order, no marvel that they made a further blunder, and instead of taking of the fire from the altar, which was newly kindled from before the Lord and which henceforward must be used in offering both sacrifice and incense, they took common fire, probably from that with which the flesh of the peace offerings was boiled, and this they made use of in burning incense. Not being holy fire, it is called ‘strange fire’, a different kind of fire.

Incense was always to be burned by only one priest at a time, but here they would go in together to do it … There is reason to suspect that were drunk when they did it, because of the law which was given upon this occasion. (vs. 8-9)

Incense altars also had a place in the worship of other gods. When Hezekiah became king and reopened the temple for worship he was careful to remove the incense altars associated with the worship of other gods that had been allowed into Jerusalem.

And so a huge crowd assembled at Jerusalem in mid spring to celebrate Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. They set to work and removed the pagan altars from Jerusalem. They took away all the incense altars and threw them into the Kidron Valley. (2 Chronicles 30 13-14)

It could also have been that the strange fire that Nadab and Abihu put in their incense burners actually came from a pagan altar. They may have been trying to conduct an ‘inter-faith’ worship service.

Paul had something to say about some of these issues when writing to advise the young pastor Timothy. The ‘strange fire’ of false teaching, for example, must be extinguished, and replaced by the teaching of the Scriptures.

When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and stop those who are teaching wrong doctrine. Don’t let people waste time in endless speculation over myths and spiritual pedigrees. For these things only cause arguments. They don’t help people live a life of faith in God. The purpose of my instruction is that all Christians there would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and sincere faith.

But some teachers have missed the whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time arguing and talking foolishness. They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don’t know what they are talking about, even though they seem so confident. (1 Timothy 1:3-7)

Teach these truths, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them. Some false teachers may deny these things, but these are the sound, wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ, and they are the foundation for a godly life. Anyone who teaches anything different is both conceited and ignorant. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, fighting, slander, and evil suspicions. These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they don’t tell the truth. To them religion is just a way to get rich. (1 Timothy 6:2-5)

Also in this same letter, Paul touches on other matters that relate to the integrity required of those involved in the pastoral ministries of the church.

It is a true saying that if someone wants to be an elder, he desires an honorable responsibility. For an elder must be a man whose life cannot be spoken against. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exhibit self control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home and must be able to teach. He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, peace loving, and not one who loves money. He must manage his own family well, with children who respect and obey him. For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?

An elder must not be a new Christian because he might be proud of being chosen so soon, and the Devil will use that pride to make him fall. Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not fall into the Devil’s trap and be disgraced.

In the same way, deacons must be people who are respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers and must not be greedy for money. They must be committed to the revealed truths of the Christian faith and must live with a clear conscience. Before they are appointed as deacons, they should be given other responsibilities in the church as a test of their character and ability. If they do well, then they may serve a deacons. (1 Timothy 3:1-9)

Whatever may have been the specific reason for their failure, it may be said that Nadab and Abihu lost sight of the holiness of God. They became careless in running the race of their own spiritual pilgrimage, something that Paul was always guarding against.

Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. All athletes practice strict self control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away., but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who misses his punches. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise I fear that after preaching to others I might myself be disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

The judgment that fell was necessary to remind the people of God’s holiness. “So fire blazed forth from the LORD’s presence and burned them up, and they died there before the LORD.” The same thing happened in the life of the early church when Ananias and Sapphira deceived their fellow members with regard to money.

There was no poverty among them, because people who owned land or houses sold them and brought the money to the apostles to give to others in need. For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas, which means ‘Son of Encouragement.’ He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles for those in need.

There was also a man named Ananias who, with his wife Sapphira, sold some property. He brought part of the money to the apostles, but he claimed it was the full amount. His wife had agreed to this deception.

Then Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and kept some of the money for yourself. The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God.”

As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified. Then some young men wrapped him in a sheet and took him out and buried him.

About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, “Was this the price you and your husband received for your land?”

And Peter said, “How could the two of you even think of doing a thing like this—conspiring together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Just outside that door are the young men who buried your husband, and they will carry you out too.”

Instantly she fell to the floor and died. When the young men came in and saw that she was dead, they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Great fear gripped the entire church and all others who heard what happened. (Acts 4:32-5:11)

Aaron’s cousins were called upon to arrange for the burial of their relatives. It was to be carried out with respect but without honor. “Then Moses called for Mishael and Elzaphan, Aaron’s cousins, the sons of Aaron’s uncle Uzziel. He said to them, ‘Come and carry the bodies of your relatives away from the sanctuary to a place outside the camp.’ So they came forward and carried them out of the camp by their tunics as Moses had commanded.” Moses then instructed the family not to show the customary signs of mourning. We are left to wonder why? Ross[5] suggests a possible reason …

If normal lamentations and burial procedures took place in public, people might get the wrong idea about the deaths and perhaps sympathize with them against the Lord. So the instruction from Moses reminded the priests that they were sanctified to the Lord (the ‘anointing was on them’). They therefore sanctified the Lord before the people. Their acceptance of God’s discipline of the priestly line was instructive to the congregation. It may have been difficult, but their duty to God had to take priority over personal matters when those matters in some way might affect the ministry.

No one in the ministry is indispensable. Others are called to take their place. Eleazar and Ithamar, the brothers of Nadab and Abihu are now called on to do just that. They are to continue in their ministry even in the midst of this tragedy and its fallout. Then Moses said to Aaron and his sons Eleazar and Ithamar, “Do not mourn by letting your hair hang loose or by tearing your clothes … Take what is left of the grain offering after the handful has been presented to the LORD by fire. Make sure there is no yeast in it, and eat it beside the altar, for it is most holy. It must be eaten in a sacred place, for it has been given to you and your descendants as your regular share of the offerings given to the LORD by fire. These are the commands I have given.” (vs. 6, 12-13)

No matter what the circumstances, the ministry we are called to must continue. This is pictured for us in the advice Solomon offers to farmers.

Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again. Give portions to seven, yes to eight, for you do not know what disaster will come upon the land.

If clouds are full of water, they pour rain upon the earth. Whether a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where it falls, there will it lie. Whoever watches the wind will not plant. Whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.

As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.

Sow your seed in the morning and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well. (Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 NIV)

This prayer of David will encourage those who may be discouraged in the ministry.

Restore our fortunes, LORD, as streams renew the desert. Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest. (Psalm 126:4-6)

And Paul counsels the young pastor Timothy to keep right on with his teaching, whether he considers the time to be ‘favorable or not’.

And so I solemnly urge you before God and before Christ Jesus—who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his kingdom. Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to right teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear. They will reject the truth and follow strange myths.

But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at bringing others to Christ. Complete the ministry God has given you. (2 Timothy 4:1-5)

Set against this account of the trouble that arose in the ministry of the Tabernacle comes the instructions reminding the people that …

Then the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your descendants must never drink wine or any other alcoholic drink before going into the Tabernacle. If you do, you will die. This is a permanent law for you, and it must be kept by all future generations.” (vs. 8-9)

Paul writes of the need to remain sober in the light of the always imminent coming of the Lord.

But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are all children of the light and of the day. We don’t belong to darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be sober. Night is the time for sleep and the time when people get drunk. (1 Thessalonians 5:4-8)

The word Paul uses in his exhortation ‘be sober’ is the word ‘νηφω’ (nēphō). Its primary meaning is ‘to abstain from wine’. And in its secondary sense, ‘to be watchful, vigilant, cautious, circumspect.’ Paul seems to have both areas of meaning in mind in this letter. At other times he seems to focus on one area or the other. But Paul often warns his readers about the dangers associated with alcohol. To the Ephesians for example, he writes …

So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in your hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5:15-20)

Paul also has something to say to those who follow the philosophy “Let’s feast and get drunk, for tomorrow we die!”

“Do not be deceived: Bad company corrupts good morals. Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning, for some have no knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.” (1 Corinthians 15:33-34 NASB)

The word Paul uses in the phrase ‘become sober-minded’ is ‘`εκνηφω’ (ek-nēphō) meaning ‘to become sober after drunkenness’.

Peter also draws attention to the dangers as he mentions drunkenness along with other matters.

So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer too. For if you are willing to suffer for Christ, you have decided to stop sinning. And you won’t spend the rest of your life chasing after evil desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols. (1 Peter 4:1-3)

Wine produces mockers. Liquor leads to brawls. Whoever is led astray by drink cannot be wise. (Proverbs 20:1)

Solomon also creates a graphic word picture in reminding us to be sober—circumspect, vigilant—with regard to our eating habits. And then goes on to link excessive eating with drunkenness as something to be avoided.

When dining with a ruler, pay attention to what is put before you. If you are a big eater, put a knife to your throat, and don’t desire all the delicacies—deception may be involved. (Proverbs 23:1-2)

Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the LORD. For surely you have a future ahead of you. Your hope will not be disappointed. My child, listen and be wise. Keep your heart on the right course. Do not carouse with drunkards and gluttons, for they are on their way to poverty. Too much sleep clothes a person with rags. (Proverbs 23:17-21)

We also see pictured in these instructions for the priests in Israel the need for all God’s people to be …

“You are to distinguish between what is holy and what is ordinary, what is ceremonially unclean and what is clean.” (vs. 10) Instead of making judgements about what another person may be doing or not doing, the discerning person seeks to find ways of building up that person in their faith. Solomon offers us this counsel …

My son, preserve sound judgement and discernment, do not let them out of your sight. They will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid, when you lie down your sleep will be sweet. (Proverbs 3:21-24 NIV)

The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction. Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools. A wise man’s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Proverbs 16:21-24 NIV)

One of Israel’s song writers prays that he might be given discernment like that.

I am your servant, deal with me in unfailing love, and teach me your principles. Give discernment to me, your servant, then I will understand your decrees. (Psalm 119:124-125)

“And you must teach the Israelites all the laws that the LORD has given through Moses.” (vs. 11) Not focussing on just a few favourite topics but weaving all the themes of Scripture into one attractive garment.

- Skilfully … like the skill exercised by those who wove the priests’ garments of office. The teacher is to put his subject matter together with skill so that the quality of the lesson garment will add dignity to his presentation.

Make special clothing for Aaron to show his separation to God—beautiful garments that will lend dignity to his work. Instruct all those who have special skills as tailors to make the garments that will set Aaron apart from everyone else, so that he may serve me as a priest. They are to make a chest piece, an ephod, a robe, an embroidered tunic, a turban, and a sash. They will also make special garments for Aaron’s sons to wear when they serve as priests before me. These items must be made of fine linen cloth and embroidered with gold thread and blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. (Exodus 28:2-5)

… but not like some of the teachers Paul refers to when counselling young Timothy.

But some of these teachers have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time arguing and talking foolishness. They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don’t know what they are talking about, even though they seem so confident. (1 Timothy 1:6-7)

- Creatively … like the craftsmen who constructed the furniture and fittings for the tabernacle.

The LORD also said to Moses, “Look, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, intelligence, and skill in all kinds of crafts. He is able to create beautiful objects from gold, silver, and bronze. He is skilled in cutting and setting gemstones and in carving wood. Yes, he is a master at every craft!

And I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to be his assistant. Moreover, I have given special skill to all the naturally talented craftsmen so they can make all the things I have instructed you to make.” (Exodus 31:1-6)

Like those craftsmen builders the pastor is to creatively put his teaching together as he draws treasure from the Scriptures. Jesus spoke of such teachers.

Then he added, “Every teacher of religious law who has become a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a person who brings out of the storehouse the new teachings as well as the old.” (Matthew 13:52)

- Accurately … Like Paul encouraged his fellow workers to do, and as he himself did.

And so, since God in his mercy has given us this wonderful ministry, we never give up. We reject all shameful and underhand methods. We do not try to trick anyone, and we do not distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know that. (2 Corinthians 4:1-2)

Remind everyone of these things, and command them in God’s name to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them. Work hard so God can approve you. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and correctly explains the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:14-15)

But the Lord Jesus Christ has shown me that my days here on earth are numbered and I am soon to die. So I will work hard to make these things clear to you. I want you to remember them long after I am gone.

For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the power of our Lord Jesus Christ and his coming again. We have seen his majestic splendour with our own eyes. And he received honour and glory from God the Father when God’s glorious, majestic voice called down from heaven, “This is my beloved Son, I am fully pleased with him.” We ourselves heard the voice when we were there with him on the holy mountain. (2 Peter 2:14-18)

Next in the instructions for the priests of Israel we see the need for us to be …

The daily renewal of their commitment to the Lord was symbolised in the eating of what was left of the grain offering. ‘Then Moses said to Aaron and his remaining sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, ‘Take what is left of the grain offering after the handful has been presented to the LORD by fire.’ ” (vs. 12) Jeremiah writes of the refreshment that we experience as we renew our commitment to the Lord each day.

Great is his faithfulness. His mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, “The LORD is my inheritance, therefore I will hope in him!” The LORD is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD. (Lamentations 3:23-26)

Getting up earlier each morning to spend time with the Lord in his word and in prayer is well worth it. It is good to meet with him …

- In a special place. The instruction given for eating ‘what is left of the grain offering,’ was that “It must be eaten in a sacred place … ” (vs. 13)

For one man I once met, a garden shed in his back yard became for him a sacred place to read the Scriptures and to pray each morning. Here also a number of missionary magazines and newsletters from missionaries all over the world were spread out on a small table, providing him with the information he needed to pray with understanding for each person.
For Jesus ‘a sacred place’ to be alone with God was often a place in the mountains. Matthew tells us of one such occasion. He had provided a meal for the crowds of people who had gathered to hear his teaching,[6] then …

Immediately after this, Jesus made his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake while he sent the people home. Afterward he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. (Matthew 14:22-23)

The disciples too learned the value of taking time out in ‘a sacred place’ to be alone with him. Mark writes of one such an experience.

The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and what they had taught. Then Jesus said, “Let’s get away from the crowds for awhile and rest.” There were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. They left by boat for a quieter spot.” (Mark 6:30-32)

- Away from false teaching. The priests were asked to be sure that no yeast was present in the grain offering. “Make sure there is no yeast in it.” (vs. 12) Jesus used the presence of yeast in a bread mixture as a picture of the false teaching being given by religious leaders at that time. His warning is also relevant for today.

Later, after they crossed to the other side of the lake, the disciples discovered they had forgotten to bring any food. “Watch out!” Jesus warned them. “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

They decided he was saying this because they hadn’t brought any bread. Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he said, “You have so little faith! Why are you worried about having no food? Won’t you ever understand? Don’t you remember the five thousand I fed with five loaves, and the baskets of food that were left over? Don’t you remember the four thousand I fed with seven loaves, with baskets of food left over? How could you even think I was talking about food? So again I say, ‘Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’ ”

Then at last they understood that he wasn’t speaking about yeast or bread but about the false teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. (Matthew 16:5-12)

- Keeping in mind Christ’s sacrificial death. The priests were told to eat their portion of the grain offering “beside the altar” (vs. 12) Like wise as we take in “the bread of life” as we read his word, we remember that “Christ our Passover Lamb has been sacrificed for us.” (1 Corinthians 5:7b)

- With reverence for the Scriptures. The reference to the grain offering as being “most holy” reminds us of the sacredness of the Scriptures. They are to be read with respect. A psalmist writes of his reverence for God’s word.

Truly, I love your commands more than gold, even the finest gold. Truly, each of your commandments is right. That is why I hate every false way. Your decrees are wonderful. No wonder I obey them! As your words are taught, they give light, even the simple can understand them. (Psalm 119:127-129)

Paul also reminds us of the sacredness of the Scriptures as he writes to Timothy.

But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realise what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do. (2 Timothy 3:14-17)

And now as we read on in the instructions given to the priests of old we are reminded of the need for us to be …

Eleazar and Ithamar became somewhat carefree in the early days of their ministry. With regard to the presenting of a goat as a sin offering for example, there was a certain procedure to be followed,[7] whether it was for the sins of a leader or for one of the people, whether the sins were committed intentionally or unintentionally.

On this first occasion in their ministry, they presented a sin offering just prior to the grain offering.[8] The procedure was for the sacrificial goat to be presented at the altar of the burnt offering in the courtyard of the Tabernacle, and its blood sprinkled against the sides of the altar.[9] A portion was then to be set aside for the priest. He was to eat it there ‘in a sacred place within the courtyard.’[10] But …

If however, the blood of a sin offering has been taken into the tabernacle to make atonement in the Holy Place for the people’s sins, none of that animal’s meat may be eaten. It must be completely burned up. (Leviticus 6:30)

This is where Eleazar and Ithamar became careless in their ministry. Moses pointed out to them where they had gone wrong.

When Moses demanded to know what had happened to the goat of the sin offering, he discovered that it had been burned up. As a result, he became very angry with Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s remaining sons. “Why didn’t you eat the sin offering in the sanctuary area?” he demanded. “It is a holy offering! It was given to you for removing the guilt of the community and for making atonement for the people before the LORD. Since the animal’s blood was not taken into the Holy Place, you should have eaten the meat in the sanctuary area as I ordered you.” (vs. 16-18)

Eleazar and Ithamar had got things mixed up. The sin offering had been completed in the sanctuary area as it was supposed to have been. The animal’s blood was not required to be taken into the Holy Place on this occasion and yet they burned the whole on the altar without eating their portion. Eating their portion would have shown that they, like the people, needed forgiveness for their sins.

It was a serious mistake because in not eating their portion they were not identifying with the people by showing that they also needed to receive the forgiveness of the Lord. They had not been careful to follow the laws of the sanctuary regarding when it was the right and when it was not the right occasion for eating their portion of the sacrifices. Ross leaves us with this comment …

It was just as wrong for the priests to omit eating these as it was for the priests to commit sin with the strange fire. The priests had to carry on with their prescribed duties and enjoy their privileges as the servants of the Lord. They could not hold back because of the punishment of Nadab and Abihu … The message of this section is that those who draw near to the Lord—the spiritual leaders—must be holy in all they do in their service of God. The closer to God they are, the closer they must pay attention to holiness. No one should miss this point … ‘Those set aside for service to the holy God must sanctify the Lord before the people by how they conduct themselves in ministry.’

In other words, it is important how they exercise discernment in practical matters, how they safeguard their ability to make clear distinctions in holiness, and how they treat their privileges and responsibilities as holy.[11]

It is so important that those in Christian leadership and ministry identify with those they serve, identifying with them as sinful people in need of God’s forgiveness. Notice how Paul includes himself in his reference to the service of the Lord’s supper.

When we bless the cup at the Lord’s Table, aren’t we sharing in the benefits of the blood of Christ? And when we break the loaf of bread, aren’t we sharing in the benefits of the body of Christ? And we all eat from one loaf, showing that we are one body. And think about the nation of Israel, all who eat the sacrifices are united by that act. (1 Corinthians 10:16-18)

And how important it is not to resort to tricky ways of doing things. As Paul was able to say with confidence …

We reject all shameful and underhand methods. We do not try to trick anyone, and we do not distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God and all who are honest know that. (2 Corinthians 4:2)

And finally from this account of the beginning ministry of Aaron’s sons that those in ministry ought to be …

In encouraging times and also in down times, when mistakes are made as well as in times of success, let those in Christian work be supportive of each other. As Aaron was for Eleazar and Ithamar. They had made a mistake but Aaron speaks up on their behalf. He doesn’t complain to others about the way Moses has rebuked the young priests but speaks directly to Moses, who responded favourably.

Then Aaron answered Moses on behalf of his sons. “Today my sons presented both their sin offering and their burnt offering to the LORD,” he said. “This kind of thing has also happened to me. Would the LORD have approved if I had eaten the sin offering today?” And when Moses heard this, he approved. (vs. 19-20)

Dear friends, if a Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each others troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone in need, you are only fooling yourself. You are really a nobody.

Be sure to do what you should, for then you will enjoy the personal satisfaction of having done your work well, and you won’t need to compare yourself with anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.

Don’t be misled. Remember that you can’t ignore God and get away with it. You will always reap what you sow! Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters. (Galatians 6:1-10)

[1] Ross, Allen P. HOLINESS TO THE LORD. A Guide To the Exposition of the Book of Leviticus. Michigan: Baker Academic. 2002. (pp. 230, 231)
[2] Lindsay, F. Duane. THE BIBLE KNOWLEDGE COMMENTARY. (OT). Walvoord, John F., Zuck, Roy B. Editors. England: Scripture Press. 1983. (p. 189)
[3] Henry, Matthew. COMMENTARY ON THE WHOLE BIBLE (OT). Michigan: Zondervan Publishing. 1960. p. 122.
[4] See also, Numbers 3:4.
[5] Ross. ibid: p. 235.
[6] Matthew 14:13-21.
[7] Refer to Leviticus 4:22-31.
[8] Described in Leviticus 9:15-17.
[9] Explained in Leviticus 1:1-9).
[10] As instructed in Leviticus 6:24-29.
[11] Ross. ibid: p. 237-238.