Leviticus 10: 3 Commentary

I like the NASB better. “those who come near, I will be treated with respect. And before all the people, I will be glorified. Thus Aran held his peace.”

I believe the King James Version should’ve rendered it as “I will be sanctified BY them that come nigh me…”

Rather then

“I will be sanctified In them that come nigh me”.

Moses is spelling out the offense of his two sons. In other words, both Nadab and Abiliu were puffed up with pride. They dared to desecrate God’s sanctuary! This was no mere technicality, but flagrant disobedience to the living God(similar to Korah’s rebellion in Numbers 16).

In verse one we find the phrase “that he did not command”. This phrase is actually a Hebraism stating a negative to affirm a positive. In other words, This offering was in clear violation of regulations they’d already received!

1. everything was to be sanctified before use. But they used their own censers, coals, and incense contrary to God’s specifications(Exodus 30:9; Leviticus 16:12).

2. They were not allowed to enter the most holy place at will(or at all). But only the high priest on specific seasons(Leviticus 16:2).

3. They were clearly drunk on wine(at least half-drunk Leviticus 10:9).

4.Most importantly, their hearts despised him and thus were unfit(unsanctified) to approach him. As this very verse proves.

Some commentators even infer that the whole community cheered these two men on their daring plan based on verse 6(but thats speculative).

By R.J. (wrote 1 Bible Commentary - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 10/10/2011 18:49 pm