Leviticus 10

Chapter Summary

Leviticus 10 records the incident of Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, who offered strange fire to the Lord, contrary to His command. As a result, they were consumed by fire, and the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron about the importance of distinguishing between the holy and the common. The chapter also describes the response of Moses and Aaron to this tragedy, including the removal of the bodies and the instructions to the remaining priests. Furthermore, it highlights the role of Eleazar and Ithamar, who were instructed to eat the sin offering in the holy place, and the warning against drinking wine or strong drink while serving as priests. The chapter concludes with Moses' anger towards Eleazar and Ithamar for not eating the sin offering, but ultimately, he was satisfied with their explanation.

Context for the Chapter

Leviticus 10 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Leviticus, which focuses on the instructions given to the Israelites regarding worship and holy living. The chapter follows the instructions for the consecration of the priests and the establishment of the tabernacle, highlighting the importance of following God's instructions and the consequences of disobedience. It is also part of the larger biblical narrative, pointing to the need for a perfect High Priest and the fulfillment of God's plan of redemption in Jesus Christ.

Heart Application

As believers, we are called to follow God's instructions and live holy lives, set apart for Him. We must be careful to distinguish between the holy and the common, and to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. We must also remember the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience, as seen in the tragedy of Nadab and Abihu.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Leviticus 10 is about the importance of following God's instructions and the consequences of disobedience. Two priests, Nadab and Abihu, disobeyed God and were killed. The chapter teaches us about the importance of holy living and the need for obedience. As believers, we must be careful to follow God's instructions and live holy lives, set apart for Him. In Leviticus 10:3, we see the tragedy of Nadab and Abihu, which serves as a reminder of the seriousness of worship and the need for holy living.

Voices from the Church

“The strange fire of Nadab and Abihu was a wilful act of disobedience, and it is this which makes their sin so heinous. Let us beware of offering strange fire to the Lord, and let us be careful to follow His instructions in all things.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The death of Nadab and Abihu was a solemn reminder of the importance of holy living and the need for obedience. Let us learn from their example and strive to follow God's instructions in all things.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Sin of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2) — The chapter begins with the description of the sin of Nadab and Abihu, who offered strange fire to the Lord. This act of disobedience had severe consequences, resulting in their death.
2. The Response of Moses and Aaron (Leviticus 10:3-5) — The chapter describes the response of Moses and Aaron to the tragedy, including the removal of the bodies and the instructions to the remaining priests.
3. The Instructions to Eleazar and Ithamar (Leviticus 10:6-11) — The chapter highlights the role of Eleazar and Ithamar, who were instructed to eat the sin offering in the holy place. It also warns against drinking wine or strong drink while serving as priests.
4. The Warning Against Drinking Wine (Leviticus 10:8-11) — The chapter emphasizes the importance of sobriety for the priests, warning against drinking wine or strong drink while serving. This is a recurring theme in the chapter, highlighting the need for holy living.
5. The Conclusion (Leviticus 10:12-20) — The chapter concludes with Moses' anger towards Eleazar and Ithamar for not eating the sin offering, but ultimately, he was satisfied with their explanation. The chapter ends with a reminder of the importance of following God's instructions and the consequences of disobedience.

Core Doctrines

The Importance of Obedience

Leviticus 10 teaches us about the importance of obedience to God's instructions. The tragedy of Nadab and Abihu serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience.

The Concept of Holy Living

The chapter emphasizes the importance of holy living, highlighting the need for separation from the common. It is a recurring theme, emphasizing God's desire for His people to be set apart for Him.

The Role of the Priesthood

The chapter describes the role of the priests in worship, including their responsibility to offer sacrifices and intercede on behalf of the people. It highlights the importance of their position and the need for them to follow God's instructions.

The Need for Atonement

The chapter highlights the need for atonement, emphasizing the importance of the sin offering in worship. It points to the need for a perfect High Priest, who would offer a perfect sacrifice and intercede on our behalf.

Lessons from Leviticus 10

1. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter teaches us about the importance of obedience to God's instructions. We must be careful to follow His commands and avoid disobedience.
2. The Concept of Holy Living — The chapter emphasizes the importance of holy living, highlighting the need for separation from the common. We must strive to live holy lives, set apart for God.
3. The Role of the Priesthood — The chapter describes the role of the priests in worship, including their responsibility to offer sacrifices and intercede on behalf of the people. We must respect and support our spiritual leaders as they fulfill their role.
4. The Need for Atonement — The chapter highlights the need for atonement, emphasizing the importance of the sin offering in worship. We must recognize our need for atonement and look to Jesus Christ as our perfect High Priest.
5. The Importance of Sobriety — The chapter warns against drinking wine or strong drink while serving as priests. We must be careful to maintain sobriety and avoid anything that could hinder our service to God.

Themes from Leviticus 10

1. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's instructions. We must be careful to follow His commands and avoid disobedience.
2. The Concept of Holy Living — The chapter highlights the importance of holy living, emphasizing the need for separation from the common. We must strive to live holy lives, set apart for God.
3. The Role of the Priesthood — The chapter describes the role of the priests in worship, including their responsibility to offer sacrifices and intercede on behalf of the people. We must respect and support our spiritual leaders as they fulfill their role.
4. The Need for Atonement — The chapter highlights the need for atonement, emphasizing the importance of the sin offering in worship. We must recognize our need for atonement and look to Jesus Christ as our perfect High Priest.
5. The Importance of Sobriety — The chapter warns against drinking wine or strong drink while serving as priests. We must be careful to maintain sobriety and avoid anything that could hinder our service to God.

Questions for Meditation

1. What can we learn from the tragedy of Nadab and Abihu about the importance of obedience to God's instructions?
2. How does the chapter emphasize the importance of holy living, and what are the consequences of not living a holy life?
3. What role do the priests play in worship, and how does the chapter highlight their responsibility to follow God's instructions?
4. How does the chapter point to the need for a perfect High Priest, and what are the implications of this for our understanding of Jesus Christ?
5. What are the practical applications of the chapter for our lives as believers, and how can we apply the principles of holy living and obedience to our daily lives?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Leviticus 10

	Sermon	Description
	A Warning to Professors by Jonathan Edwards	In this sermon by Jonathan Edwards, he addresses those who attend religious ordinances but continue to engage in known sins. He warns them about the mockery they are guilty of by p
	(The Power of the Holy Spirit - 3) the Fire of God by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a witness for Christ in our daily lives. He compares the church to a small sample of God's kingdom and encourages bel
	A Silent Church Amidst a Sinful Nation by E.A. Johnston	In this sermon, the speaker highlights the current state of the Christian Church, describing it as helpless and facing powers of darkness. He emphasizes that the Church has substit
	God's Work in the Darkness by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that entertainment is a substitute for true joy and that the glory of God needs to be restored. He mentions the importance of being anointed
	The Solemn Side of Worship by J. Glyn Owen	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Aaron and his two sons who were struck down by God's judgment. The speaker emphasizes that God's judgment was not disproportionat
	An Introduction to the Day of Atonement by Ron Bailey	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the tragedy that occurred in one of the leading families of the Israelites right at the beginning of their journey as a nation of priests. T
	(Daniel) the Writing on the Wall by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of King Belshazzar from the book of Daniel in the Bible. The sermon begins by describing how Belshazzar and his companions were en
	Leonard Ravenhill 85yrs Old Rebukes Pastors!! by Compilations	This sermon emphasizes the seriousness of reverence for God and the importance of being attentive and respectful in His presence. It calls for a deep reflection on one's attitude t
	(The Fire of God) the Fire and the Sword by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the danger of seeking knowledge without allowing it to transform one's life. He points out that there is a growing obsession with Bible knowl
	The Solitary Sin Bearer by J. Glyn Owen	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of sin-bearing and its significance in the Christian faith. He refers to the biblical story of Aaron confessing the sins of Israe

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Leviticus 10

In Leviticus 10, we see the tragic consequences of disobedience, as Nadab and Abihu offer strange fire to the Lord. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of holy living and the need for obedience. The chapter also highlights the role of the priesthood, emphasizing the importance of following God's instructions and the need for atonement. As believers, we must be careful to distinguish between the holy and the common, and to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Through this chapter, we are reminded of the seriousness of worship and the need for holy living, both of which are fulfilled in Christ. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The death of Nadab and Abihu was a solemn warning to all the priests to be careful in their ministrations, and to all the people to be reverent in their approaches to God.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?