What happensPermalink
Aaron’s oldest sons, Nadab and Abihu, having just been ordained to the service of the Lord, make up their own ceremony with incense, and God kills them with fire. God commands Aaron to avoid alcohol on duty and gives him the purpose of the priesthood.
Why it mattersPermalink
The regulations God lays down are not to be taken lightly; the community and the priests exist to worship and serve God, not the other way around. The priests are to distinguish the holy from the profane and the clean from the unclean; and teach the people the laws of God.
Key versePermalink
Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord has said: ‘Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified.’” And Aaron held his peace.