The Sons Receive Judgment for Their Sins
Aaron has four sons. They are Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. With Aaron as the first priest, all four boys are destined to follow him. With Nadab and Abihu as the oldest two, they take the lead in this.
Nadab and Abihu, however, fail to follow God’s precise guidelines of worship. Whether it’s sloppiness or arrogance, we don’t know, but they offer fire and incense to God, contrary to his command. Scripture calls it “unauthorized fire.”
As a result of their disobedience, God sends fire to kill them. God’s punishment is swift and final.
The Almighty doesn’t offer them mercy for their disobedience, just judgment. But fortunately for us today, through Jesus, we can receive the Lord’s mercy.
What would we change in our lives if God punished us immediately?
When have we relied on God’s mercy and grace when we should have stopped doing something wrong?
[Read about Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10:1–3, as well as Numbers 26:60–61. Discover more in Numbers 3:1–4.]
Learn about 100 more biblical characters in More Old Testament Sinners and Saints, available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Get your copy today.
More Old Testament Sinners and Saints is part of the Bible Character Sketches series.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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