Earlier, we studied how the priests were to dress and what they were to do and how they were to be commissioned, thus "set apart" for the work of priesthood. Here we will see it all play out......almost exactly as God instructed. God was training His people, teaching them daily about Himself. When God's instruction is not followed to the smallest detail, the consequences are serious.
The elders have gathered to witness the commissioning of Aaron as High Priest for Israel. The oil was poured on his head, different than the sprinkling we've seen before. Aaron and his sons were to be inside the Tabernacle for seven days, the eighth day meaning the purification was complete. First order of business: purify the High Priest. Did you find it interesting that after all the bulls and goats and sheep and birds, that a calf was chosen for Aaron to sacrifice? Hmmmmm. He, with instruction through Moses, gave sin-offering for himself, and for the people of Israel. After all of the details of the different sacrifices, Aaron lifted his hands up toward the people and blessed them. The glory of the Lord shone before them, and there came a FIRE from heaven upon the altar. God had accepted the service of sacrifice, and forgiven their sin. This was no ordinary fire!
Now, here's where we hit a bump in the road. In chapter 6, there was mention of how the fire should be kept burning and should never go out. Chapter 10 opens with two of the sons of Aaron offering "strange" fire before the Lord and their being immediately devoured by the holy fire of God! They drew near to God, but not on His terms and the consequence was death. (I read that it may have been like lightning, since the bodies were not consumed?) Moses spoke precious few words to his brother, Aaron, offering only a reminder that God gave instruction, and Aaron and his other sons were not to mourn for the loss. This may seem harsh to us, but Aaron seemed to acknowledge God's justice and was submitted to it.....he held his peace. The bodies were carried out, in their priestly clothes outside the camp.
We are about to read some tough chapters in God's word. We will not always understand, certainly because His ways are not ours. We must trust, through faith, that God is holy and just and loves us very much. Everything that is written is to teach us (Rom. 15:4). His purpose is to bring glory to Himself through a relationship with us. Pray and ask the Lord to reveal Himself to you in a new way today.
