Leviticus 10:1-2 Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. So fire went out from the LORD and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. Wow. What a way to end the day! After God’s presence filled the Temple and the people fell on their faces in awe and fear, these two newly appointed priests are killed. What did they do that caused them to be punished so severely? I don’t understand Hebrew culture as well as I’d like, so I went hunting… I found several sources (well, lots really) that shed some light into the matter. The general consensus seems to be that no one really knows exactly what they men did wrong. However, there does seem to be agreement that they offered a sacrifice that God hadn’t asked for or taught them how to do yet, and because they didn’t wait for instructions they used fire that wasn’t consecrated (made holy). Nadab and Abihu put regular fire into their censer. After their deaths, we find out that the fire should have come from the fire of God’s presence on the altar. But they didn’t know that, right? That’s the problem. They rushed ahead of God and did it in the way that seemed right to them, forgetting the extremely holy nature of God. I think that if they had waited for God to tell them what to do they would have lived (now, I could be wrong here. There may have been an issue with their hearts – their motivation, etc.). Why does this matter? Well, it seems to provide a general principle for life: wait for God’s instructions before rushing off and doing it my way. Whether it’s pride or ignorance, or even extreme enthusiasm, doing it my way is never a good idea. For sure, the times I’ve done it my way there have been disastrous consequences. And while our society celebrates our ability to do it our way, God’s way is better, safer, and demonstrates our love for and obedience to Him. So, instead of “I did it my way!” perhaps we should be waiting to get our instructions first. Then we can say, “I did it God’s way!” And that’s a much better way to live. References: Bergman, B., Rabbi. “We’re All Still Learning.” Temple Beth-El, San Antonio, Texas. N.p., 31 Mar. 2000. Web. 8 Apr. 2010. <http://www.beth-elsa.org/be_s0331.htm>. Graham, Ron. “What Did They Do Wrong? — Nadab and Abihu’s Fatal Error in Worship.” Simply Christians, Eftel, Australia. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Apr. 2010. <http://members.net-tech.com.au/sggram/f077.htm>. Martin, Wiley. “The Consequences of Disobedience.” Olive Tree Messianic Fellowship. N.p., 31 Mar. 2008. Web. 8 Apr. 2010. <www.olivetreemessianicfellowship.com/index.php/Wiley-s-Torah-Study/consequences-of-disobedience.html>.
Hosea 11:8-9 “Oh, how can I give you up, Israel? How can I let you go? How can I destroy you like Admah or demolish you like Zeboiim? My heart is torn within me, and my compassion overflows. No, I will not unleash my fierce anger. I will not completely destroy Israel, for I am God and not a mere mortal. I am the Holy One living among you, and I will not come to destroy.” It’s easy for me to forget that God is full of emotion, too. I often think of His as very stoic, loving, stern, but never overly emotional. But these verses show a God who is anguished over the punishment His people deserve. I picture Him pacing in circles, tearing at his hair as tears stream down his face. His hands cover his eyes as he sits on the steps of His throne, his head hanging and shaking in frustration. He is a God in love who is deeply torn between the need to punish and the passion He, even now, feels towards His people. In the last line, God makes an interesting statement that He is not a mere mortal, but the Holy One living among us. This was before the time of Jesus, before the sending of the Holy Spirit. I’ve always assumed that God dwelt in the temple and not among the people… but maybe I’m wrong and God got out more often that I thought. This makes Him a much more personal Lord. He isn’t a mere mortal, He is God, and as such He can do anything He chooses. He is also not aloof high above and distant. He is living among us, and therefore, He knows what goes on in our lives. He’s personal, He’s loving, He compassionate, He’s in love, and He is full of emotion. I think that’s pretty amazing.