In the journey of the Israelites to the promised land, they have arrived at Mount Sinai, where they remain for about a year. During this time, God imparts to them extensive laws, instructions, and guidelines, much of which is recorded in Exodus and Leviticus. These chapters may seem overwhelming, but they serve a critical purpose: to prepare a way for God to dwell with His people and allow them to come before Him.
Since the fall of Adam and Eve, mankind has been separated from God due to sin, which creates a barrier between us and a holy God. The Bible narrates God’s continuous work to restore that broken relationship. Part of that restoration involves the establishment of priests, with Aaron and his sons chosen to serve as intermediaries between the Israelites and God.
In Leviticus 9:22-24, Aaron performs his priestly duties, offering sacrifices to God, and the glory of the Lord appears to all the people, consuming the offering with fire. It is a triumphant moment for Israel. However, the tone dramatically shifts in the very next chapter.
In Leviticus 10:1-2, Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, offer “unauthorized fire” before the Lord, an action God had not commanded. Fire from the Lord consumes them, leaving Aaron speechless. God’s response seems harsh at first glance, but the heart of the issue lies in verse 1: they offered something God had not commanded.
God’s holiness is central here. In Leviticus 10:3, Moses reminds 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.’” Nadab and Abihu’s failure to obey God’s specific instructions dishonored God’s holiness.
The Holiness of God and Our Tendency to Forget
The story of Nadab and Abihu reminds us that God’s holiness is not to be taken lightly. Similarly, the story of Uzzah and the Ark of the Covenant in 2 Samuel 6:5-7 reinforces this lesson. Uzzah reaches out to steady the ark when it appears to be falling, and God strikes him dead for touching it. Though Uzzah’s intentions seem good, he had violated the sacredness of God’s commands regarding the ark.
In The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul, the author explains that Uzzah made the mistake of thinking his hand was more holy than the dirt. Uzzah, like Nadab and Abihu, failed to comprehend the vast difference between the holiness of God and human sinfulness. We often forget who God is and how different He is from us.
God’s Holiness Is Eternal
God’s holiness is unchanging. Isaiah 40:9-18 paints a majestic picture of God’s greatness. He is eternal, the creator of all things, and all the nations of the world are like a drop in a bucket compared to Him. This passage reminds us that no one can be compared to God.
Yet, the wonder of God’s holiness is not only in His power and transcendence but also in His desire to be with His people. While we have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory, He continuously provides a way for us to return to Him. In the Old Testament, He gave the law, sacrifices, and priestly mediators, but ultimately, He provided the perfect mediator: Jesus Christ.
Jesus: The Ultimate Revelation of God’s Holiness
In John 1:14 and Hebrews 1:3, Jesus is revealed as the radiance of God’s glory. He came to fulfill what the priests and sacrifices of the Old Testament pointed toward. Through Jesus, we have been given peace with God, not by lowering God’s holiness, but by providing a way for us to approach Him.
In Romans 5:1-2, 6-8, Paul tells us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. It is through Jesus’ perfect life, death, and resurrection that we can now come near to God, despite our sin. God’s holiness remains intact, but Jesus has made a way for us to dwell with God.
Our Role as Representatives of God’s Holiness
God’s plan didn’t stop with providing a way for us to come near Him; He also calls us to represent Him in the world. 1 Peter 2:9 calls believers a “royal priesthood” set apart to proclaim God’s excellencies. Like Aaron and his sons, we are now God’s representatives, and we are called to demonstrate His holiness in our words, thoughts, and actions.
Conclusion
The stories of Nadab and Abihu and Uzzah are sobering reminders of the seriousness of God’s holiness. They challenge us to approach God with reverence and awe. Yet, they also point us to the incredible grace of God, who, through Jesus, has made a way for us to come near Him. Let us never forget the majesty of our holy God and the privilege we have to proclaim His greatness to the world.
“For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.” Romans 11:36 (NLT)
