Chapter Summary

Strange fire of Nadab and Abihu.

Discussion Questions for Leviticus, Chapter 10

1. According Leviticus 10:1-2, the Lord consumed Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu with fire for bringing an unauthorized fire before God when they burned incense in the tabernacle. Why was this an appropriate response by God? How does the event communicate His holiness?
2. Leviticus 10:3 reads, "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." How do you think Aaron wanted to respond to God killing his sons? Why do you think he held his peace?
3. Leviticus 10:3 says that God will be glorified before all of the people. How can we glorify God? How can Aaron glorify God in this particular moment and time?
4. Moses instructs Aaron and his sons not to do to traditional things of growing their hair and tearing their clothes grieving over the dead family members in Leviticus 10 because they will die also. What does this demonstrate about the emotional qualifications of the priests? Is it fair to expect this from the clergy? What are expectations of the clergy today in displaying their emotions?
5. The Lord commands Aaron and his sons not to drink wine or strong drink in Leviticus 10:9 lest they die. Many have come to accept drinking alcohol in today's society, including Christians. What is acceptable concerning drinking alcohol? How should we apply Leviticus 10:9 to our lives today?
6. The Lord gives a command to Aaron in Leviticus 10:10-11 saying, "You are to distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean, 11 and you are to teach the people of Israel all the statutes that the LORD has spoken to them by Moses". How should Aaron do this? How does religious leaders determine what is acceptable and not acceptable in today's society? How much does the Old Testament law affect these teachings today?
7. Leviticus 10:14 reads as a command to Aaron concerning the sacrifices made as offerings, "But the breast that is waved and the thigh that is contributed you shall eat in a clean place, you and your sons and your daughters with you, for they are given as your due and your sons’ due from the sacrifices of the peace offerings of the people of Israel." Since the daughters are able to eat of this offering, does it signify that they have a role in ministry in ancient Israel? If so, why is Aaron's wife not mentioned? What should be the role of women in ministry?
8. Moses expresses anger at two Aaron's sons for not eating the goat offering in Lev. 10:17 since that is what commanded them. Aaron responds in Leviticus 10:19 Behold, today they have offered their sin offering and their burnt offering before the LORD, and yet such things as these have happened to me! If I had eaten the sin offering today, would the LORD have approved?" What events was Aaron referring to? What does this show about his mindset toward God? How does this event demonstrate God's understanding of human emotions?
9. 2 Timothy 4:2 Paul writes to Timothy, "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching." What does it mean to be in season and out of season? How does Aaron fulfill Paul's teaching at the end of Leviticus 10? What does this demonstrate about the relationship of God commandments in comparison to a religious leader's emotions?
10. The death of Aaron's sons in Leviticus 10:3 is difficult for a person to understand when we only picture God as peaceful and kind. How does a believer share all of God's characteristics with a non-believer?

Key Words/Phrase

Strange fire, v. 1.

Characters

God, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazer, Moses, Aaron, Ithamar, Michael, Elzaphan.

Strong Verse(s)

9