The Sin of Nadab and Abihu

(Numbers 3:1–4)

10 Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized [fn] fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. 2 So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD.

3 Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant when He said:

‘To those who come near Me

I will show My holiness,

and in the sight of all the people

I will reveal My glory.’ ”

But Aaron remained silent.

4 Moses summoned Mishael and Elzaphan,[fn] sons of Aaron’s uncle Uzziel, and said to them, “Come here; carry the bodies of your cousins outside the camp, away from the front of the sanctuary.” 5 So they came forward and carried them, still in their tunics, outside the camp, as Moses had directed.

6 Then Moses said to Aaron and his sons Eleazar and Ithamar, “Do not let your hair become disheveled [fn] and do not tear your garments, or else you will die, and the LORD will be angry with the whole congregation. But your brothers, the whole house of Israel, may mourn on account of the fire that the LORD has ignited. 7 You shall not go outside the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, or you will die, for the LORD’s anointing oil is on you.”

So they did as Moses instructed.