I did not see this coming. We’ve had multiple chapters of explicit instruction on how to be a priest, and now it looked like multiple chapters of Aaron and his children performing those acts. I was expecting another long slog. But I forgot the Lord’s temper.

Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the lord, contrary to his command. So fire came out from the presence of the lord and consumed them, and they died before the lord. (Lev 10:1-2)

They’re just learning the rules, make a mistake, and the Lord kills them for their effort. Moses’ response is that it’s their own damn fault, but Moses has had Stockholm Syndrome ever since the Lord almost killed him on the road to Egypt.

Later, Moses gets mad at Aaron for not eating a sin sacrifice, who points out what happened to his children who performed that sacrifice. Moses has nothing to say.

Tomorrow (later today): Leviticus 11-13.