What is the meaning of Leviticus 10:3? Then Moses said to Aaron Moses, the God-appointed mediator, steps in right after the shocking death of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2). • His words carry divine authority, just as in Exodus 4:14-16 where God made Moses the spokesman. • By addressing Aaron, Moses honors the priestly chain of command set out in Leviticus 8–9 and reminds Aaron of his solemn charge (compare Numbers 18:1). Moses is not offering a personal opinion; he is relaying heaven’s verdict on what just happened. This is what the LORD meant when He said God had warned that worship must follow His pattern, not human improvisation. • Earlier cautions: “The priests who come near the LORD must consecrate themselves, or the LORD will break out against them” (Exodus 19:22). • The episode proves that every prior word from the Lord is literal, reliable, and unavoidable (Numbers 23:19). Moses frames the tragic event as the fulfillment of a previously stated divine principle, making clear that Scripture interprets life, not the other way around. To those who come near Me I will show My holiness Drawing near is a privilege with boundaries. • Priests were commanded to “approach the altar” only after careful purification (Leviticus 9:7; 16:1-2). • Holiness means separation from all that is common (Isaiah 6:3) and demands reverent obedience (1 Peter 1:15-16). • When Nadab and Abihu offered “unauthorized fire,” God’s holiness was displayed in judgment—exactly as He had promised (Exodus 29:43). In worship, good intentions never override God’s explicit instructions; closeness to Him magnifies, not diminishes, the need for purity. In the sight of all the people I will reveal My glory God’s actions are never hidden object lessons. • The consuming fire that fell earlier to accept the lawful offering (Leviticus 9:23-24) had thrilled the nation; this fire of judgment sobered them. Both reveal glory. • The public dimension echoes Numbers 20:12 where Moses and Aaron were told they “did not uphold My holiness in the sight of the Israelites.” • Glory, therefore, is not only radiant blessing but also the uncompromising display of God’s character, including justice (Psalm 96:9-10). Israel needed to know that the same God who blesses obedience also confronts presumption. But Aaron remained silent The high priest responds with reverent submission. • Silence can speak louder than words, mirroring Job’s response to calamity (Job 1:20-22). • Accepting God’s verdict, Aaron models a priestly heart that “puts a hand over the mouth” when confronted with divine wisdom (Habakkuk 2:20). • His silence prevents rebellion, guards against hasty blame, and preserves the sanctity of the moment (Ecclesiastes 5:2). In tragedy, faith often expresses itself not with explanations but with quiet trust. summary Leviticus 10:3 shows that God guards His holiness and will make it unmistakably clear whenever people draw near. Moses interprets Nadab and Abihu’s death as the concrete fulfillment of God’s prior warning: approach demands holiness, and God’s glory will be displayed—whether in blessing or judgment—before the watching community. Aaron’s silence underscores the only fitting human response: humble, obedient reverence before the undeniable holiness and glory of the Lord. |
    |