How does Ezekiel 20:48 connect with God's holiness in Leviticus 10:3?

Drawing the Texts Together

Ezekiel 20:48—“And all people will see that I, the LORD, have kindled it; it will not be extinguished.”

Leviticus 10:3—“I will show My holiness to those who are near Me, and I will be glorified before all the people.”

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Shared Themes of Holy Fire

• Fire originates with the LORD in both scenes—He “kindles” it (Ezekiel 20:48) and sends it out to consume Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:2).

• The purpose is public demonstration: “all people will see” (Ezk) parallels “before all the people” (Lev).

• God’s holiness is non-negotiable; judgment by fire is the immediate, visible proof.

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Holiness Displayed Through Judgment

• Leviticus 10:3 shows holiness violated by careless worship; God responds instantly to guard His glory.

• Ezekiel 20:48 extends the principle to national rebellion—unquenchable judgment fire across the land.

• Both accounts underline Romans 11:22: “Consider then the kindness and severity of God.”

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Key Connections in Bullet Form

1. Source of the fire: divine initiative, not human accident.

2. Scope of the warning: priests at the altar (Leviticus 10) → entire nation (Ezekiel 20).

3. Resulting knowledge: priests learn reverence; “all people” learn the same lesson on a wider stage.

4. Unquenchable nature: God’s holiness cannot be negotiated down or extinguished.

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Complementary Passages

• Exodus 19:18—Mount Sinai “was completely in smoke” as holiness descends.

• Deuteronomy 4:24—“For the LORD your God is a consuming fire.”

• Hebrews 12:28-29—Believers are urged to serve “with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”

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Implications for Today

• Holiness is never a private matter; God will display it publicly when ignored.

• Reverent obedience is the only safe response to a holy God—whether priest or commoner, ancient Israelite or modern believer.

• Grace does not dilute holiness; instead, through Christ we “approach with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16) while still recognizing the blazing purity of the One we address.