Leviticus 10 Devotional

When Holy Fire Falls

“Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant when He said: ‘To those who come near Me I will show My holiness, and in the sight of all the people I will reveal My glory.’” But Aaron remained silent.”Leviticus 10:3 (BSB)

Right after the joy of chapter 9, Nadab and Abihu, two of Aaron's sons, offer fire the LORD had not commanded, and fire comes out from his presence and consumes them (10:1-2). It is described in nearly the same words as the fire that accepted the offering (9:24). The holiness that drew a shout of joy cannot be approached on our own terms. Moses explains that God will show himself holy among those who come near him, and Aaron is silent (10:3).

The text does not soften the loss, and it does not tell us what was in their hearts. The priests are told to stay sober on duty and to teach Israel the difference between holy and common (10:9-11). And when Aaron points to all that has happened to him that day, Moses accepts his answer (10:19-20). Hebrews calls believers to worship with reverence and awe, because God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:28-29). Grace does not make him less holy. It makes it possible to come near him at all.

To think about: Where have you grown casual about God, and how could reverence and gratitude shape the way you approach him?