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Nadab and Abihu - Tabernacle Priests:
God does not tolerate disobedience or carelessness. God had just ordained Aaron (Moses’ brother) and his sons as priests. Towards
the end of the seven day ordination, after Moses and Aaron had left the Tent of Meeting, Aaron blessed the people of Israel. Suddenly, the glory of the
Lord appeared to the people in the form of fire just like Heavenly Father appeared to Moses in the burning bush. The fire consumed the burnt offerings
and the fat portions on the altar demonstrating God’s acceptance of the sacrifice. When the people saw the glory of the Lord, they shouted for joy and fell
facedown in humble reverence and awe.
Nadab and Abihu, Aaron’s two eldest sons, thought it would be wise and pleasing to place hot coals in a
censer and burn incense to God. However, this was an unauthorized fire in violation of God’s commands. As a result of their single act of disobedience, fire
swiftly came from the Lord and consumed them in front of all the people. Aaron, Moses and the rest of God’s people stood in stunned silence. The two sons of
Aaron had attempted to magnify their calling and do what was right in their own minds, but it was disobedience in God’s eyes. All they could do wasn’t good enough.
God’s judgment was swift and final.
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