Moses summoned Mishael and Elzaphan, sons of Aaron's uncle Uzziel, and said to them, "Come here; carry the bodies of your cousins outside the camp, away from the front of the sanctuary." Moses summoned Mishael and ElzaphanMoses, as the leader and prophet, takes immediate action following the divine judgment on Nadab and Abihu. Mishael and Elzaphan are Levites, specifically from the clan of Kohath, which is significant as the Kohathites were responsible for the most sacred duties in the tabernacle. Their summoning indicates the importance of maintaining holiness and order in the camp. sons of Aaron’s uncle Uzziel Uzziel was the brother of Amram, Moses and Aaron's father, making Mishael and Elzaphan first cousins to Aaron's sons. This familial connection underscores the communal and familial responsibilities within the Israelite camp. It also highlights the importance of kinship in maintaining the sanctity of the priestly duties. and said to them, “Come here; Moses' directive is immediate and authoritative, reflecting the urgency of the situation. The command to "come here" signifies the need for swift action to prevent further defilement of the sanctuary area. carry the bodies of your cousins The bodies referred to are those of Nadab and Abihu, who were struck down by God for offering unauthorized fire. The task of carrying the bodies is given to relatives, which maintains the purity laws by preventing the priests from becoming ceremonially unclean through contact with the dead. outside the camp, The instruction to take the bodies outside the camp aligns with the Levitical laws concerning cleanliness and the handling of dead bodies. The camp represents the dwelling place of God among His people, and anything unclean must be removed to preserve the holiness of the community. away from the front of the sanctuary.” This phrase emphasizes the sanctity of the sanctuary area, where God's presence dwelt. The removal of the bodies from this holy space is crucial to maintaining the reverence and purity required in worship. It also serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His laws and commandments. In this context, Moses is giving instructions following a tragic event. 2. Mishael and ElzaphanSons of Uzziel, Aaron's uncle. They are Levites, called upon by Moses to carry out a specific duty in the aftermath of Nadab and Abihu's death. 3. UzzielAaron's uncle, making Mishael and Elzaphan cousins to Nadab and Abihu. His lineage is part of the Levitical priesthood. 4. Nadab and AbihuSons of Aaron who offered unauthorized fire before the Lord and were consumed by fire as a result of their disobedience. 5. The SanctuaryThe holy place where God's presence dwelt among the Israelites. It was to be kept pure and undefiled. Teaching Points Reverence for God's HolinessThe incident underscores the importance of approaching God with the utmost respect and obedience. It serves as a reminder that God's holiness demands reverence. Obedience to God's CommandsThe tragic outcome for Nadab and Abihu illustrates the necessity of adhering strictly to God's instructions. Believers are called to obey God's Word fully. Community ResponsibilityMishael and Elzaphan's role in removing the bodies highlights the communal aspect of maintaining holiness. The community must work together to uphold God's standards. The Role of LeadershipMoses' leadership in directing the response to the crisis shows the importance of godly leadership in guiding and maintaining order within the community. Purity in WorshipThe removal of Nadab and Abihu's bodies from the sanctuary area emphasizes the need for purity in worship spaces, both physically and spiritually. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the response of Moses in this passage teach us about leadership in times of crisis? 2. How can we apply the principle of reverence for God's holiness in our daily worship practices? 3. In what ways does the community's role in maintaining holiness apply to the modern church? 4. How does the account of Nadab and Abihu serve as a warning for us today regarding obedience to God's commands? 5. What steps can we take to ensure that our worship remains pure and pleasing to God, both individually and corporately? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 6:18, 22Provides genealogical context for Mishael and Elzaphan, establishing their Levitical heritage. Leviticus 16:1-2References the death of Nadab and Abihu, emphasizing the importance of approaching God with reverence and obedience. Numbers 3:4Reiterates the consequences of Nadab and Abihu's actions, highlighting the sanctity of priestly duties. Hebrews 12:28-29Connects the reverence and awe required in worship, reminding believers of God's holiness and the need for respectful worship. People Aaron, Abihu, Eleazar, Elzaphan, Israelites, Ithamar, Mishael, Moses, Nadab, UzzielPlaces TemanTopics Aaron, Aaron's, Bear, Brethren, Brother, Brothers, Calleth, Camp, Carry, Cousins, Draw, Elzaphan, Elza'phan, Forward, Front, Holy, Mishael, Mish'a-el, Outside, Relatives, Sanctuary, Sons, Tent-circle, Uncle, Uzziel, Uz'zielDictionary of Bible Themes Leviticus 10:4 5673 cousins Leviticus 10:1-7 5188 tearing of clothes Library Strange Fire 'And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which He commanded them not. 2. And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord. 3. Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the Lord spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh Me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace. 4. And Moses called Mishael … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureDecember the Thirteenth the Holy and the Profane "Put difference between the holy and the unholy." --LEVITICUS x. 1-10. The peril of our day is that so many of these differences are growing faint. The holy merges into the unholy, and we can scarcely see the dividing line. Black merges into white through manifold shades of grey. Falsehood slopes into truth through cunning expediences and white lies. Lust merges into purity through conviviality and geniality and good-fellowship. So is one thing losing itself in another, and vivid moral distinctions … John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory. Who is like unto Thee, O Lord! among the gods? Who is like unto Thee, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders? Thou in Thy mercy hast led Thy people which Thou hast redeemed: Thou hast guided them in Thy strength to the habitation of Thy holiness ... The holy place, O Lord, which Thy hands have established.' --Ex. xv. 11-17. In these words we have another step in advance in the revelation of Holiness. We have here for the first time Holiness predicated of God Himself. He … Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ Brief Directions How to Read the Holy Scriptures once Every Year Over, with Ease, Profit, and Reverence. But forasmuch, that as faith is the soul, so reading and meditating on the word of God, are the parent's of prayer, therefore, before thou prayest in the morning, first read a chapter in the word of God; then meditate awhile with thyself, how many excellent things thou canst remember out of it. As--First, what good counsels or exhortations to good works and to holy life. Secondly, what threatenings of judgments against such and such a sin; and what fearful examples of God's punishment or vengeance … Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Value of this Doctrine "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). "Doctrine" means "teaching," … Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God The Third Commandment Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.' Exod 20: 7. This commandment has two parts: 1. A negative expressed, that we must not take God's name in vain; that is, cast any reflections and dishonour on his name. 2. An affirmative implied. That we should take care to reverence and honour his name. Of this latter I shall speak more fully, under the first petition in the Lord's Prayer, Hallowed be thy name.' I shall … Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Right Understanding of the Law Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Before I come to the commandments, I shall answer questions, and lay down rules respecting the moral law. What is the difference between the moral laud and the gospel? (1) The law requires that we worship God as our Creator; the gospel, that we worship him in and through Christ. God in Christ is propitious; out of him we may see God's power, justice, and holiness: in him we see his mercy displayed. (2) The moral law requires obedience, but gives … Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments No Sorrow Like Messiah's Sorrow Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Behold, and see, if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow! A lthough the Scriptures of the Old Testament, the law of Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophecies (Luke 24:44) , bear an harmonious testimony to MESSIAH ; it is not necessary to suppose that every single passage has an immediate and direct relation to Him. A method of exposition has frequently obtained [frequently been in vogue], of a fanciful and allegorical cast [contrivance], under the pretext … John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Man's Chief End Q-I: WHAT IS THE CHIEF END OF MAN? A: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever. Here are two ends of life specified. 1: The glorifying of God. 2: The enjoying of God. I. The glorifying of God, I Pet 4:4: That God in all things may be glorified.' The glory of God is a silver thread which must run through all our actions. I Cor 10:01. Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.' Everything works to some end in things natural and artificial; … Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Second Commandment Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.' Exod 20: 4-6. I. Thou shalt not … Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Leviticus The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive … John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Leviticus 10:4 NIVLeviticus 10:4 NLTLeviticus 10:4 ESVLeviticus 10:4 NASBLeviticus 10:4 KJV
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