Scofield Reference Bible Notes
Leviticus 10

Lev 10:1 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.

Nadab

liberal.

Abihu

God is father.

strange fire

Strange fire. Fire "from before the Lord" had kindled upon the altar of burnt-offering the fire which the care of the priests was to keep burning (Leviticus 6:12). No commandment had yet been given (Leviticus 16:12) how the incense should be kindled. The sin of Nadab and Abihu was in acting in the things of God without seeking the mind of God. It was "will worship" (Colossians 2:23), which often has a "show of wisdom and humility." It typifies any use of carnal means to kindle the fire of devotion and praise.

Lev 10:2 And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.

fire…devoured them…they died

Miracles (O.T.). vs. 1, 2; Num 11:1-3. (Gen 5:24; Jon 2:1-10.)

Lev 10:4 And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them, Come near, carry your brethren from before the sanctuary out of the camp.

Mishael

one with God.

Elzaphan

God protects.

Uzziel

power of God.

Lev 10:6 And Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons, Uncover not your heads, neither rend your clothes; lest ye die, and lest wrath come upon all the people: but let your brethren, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which the LORD hath kindled.

Eleazar

God has helped.

Ithamar

isle of palms.

Lev 10:12 And Moses spake unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons that were left, Take the meat offering that remaineth of the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and eat it without leaven beside the altar: for it is most holy:

meat

Literally meal.

leaven

Leaven. Lev 23:6-17. (Gen 19:3; Mat 13:33.)

Lev 10:13 And ye shall eat it in the holy place, because it is thy due, and thy sons' due, of the sacrifices of the LORD made by fire: for so I am commanded.

the holy place

Num 18:10.

Lev 10:17 Wherefore have ye not eaten the sin offering in the holy place, seeing it is most holy, and God hath given it you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before the LORD?

atonement

See Scofield Exodus 29:33, note.

Lev 10:18 Behold, the blood of it was not brought in within the holy place: ye should indeed have eaten it in the holy place, as I commanded.

the holy place

Lev 6:26.

Lev 10:19 And Aaron said unto Moses, Behold, this day have they offered their sin offering and their burnt offering before the LORD; and such things have befallen me: and if I had eaten the sin offering to day, should it have been accepted in the sight of the LORD?

should it have been accepted

Isa 1:11, 15; Jer 6:20; 14:12; Hos 9:4; Mal 1:10, 13.