Leviticus 10:1-7 - Homilies By J.a. Macdonald

Nadab and Abihu,

When the fire of God came upon the sacrifices, "the people shouted, and fell on their faces." While thus in an attitude of prayer, Nadab and Abihu snatched their censers, put fire into them, and put incense upon the fire, as though to send up the prayers of the people to God. In this they sinned, and in consequence paid a fearful penalty. Let us consider—

I. THE NATURE OF THEIR SIN . We are told:

1 . That they offered strange fire to God.

2 . That they acted without direction.

II. THE LESSONS OF THE PUNISHMENT .

1 . God is not to be trifled with.

2 . His vengeance is often retributive.

3 . His retributions are sometimes summary.

4 . Mourning for the dead has its laws and limitations.