“And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them, Come near, carry your brethren from before the sanctuary out of the camp.”
Context: Leviticus 10:1-7 recounts the tragic event when Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, and as a result, fire came out from the presence of God and consumed them. The verses following this incident explain the instructions given to Aaron and his remaining sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, regarding their conduct during the time of mourning and the prohibition of intoxicating drink while serving in the tabernacle.
The Identity of Mishael and Elzaphan: Mishael and Elzaphan were the cousins of Aaron and the sons of Uzziel. They were nephews to Aaron and, consequently, cousins to Nadab and Abihu, who were struck dead. Moses called upon them to carry the bodies of their deceased cousins out of the sanctuary and away from the camp.
The Importance of the Sanctuary: The sanctuary, or the tabernacle, was the dwelling place of God’s presence among the Israelites. It was a holy place, set apart for worship and sacrifices. Nadab and Abihu’s unauthorized actions within the sanctuary resulted in their deaths. This incident demonstrates the significance of approaching God with reverence and obeying His commands.
Moses’ Instruction: Moses instructed Mishael and Elzaphan to come near and remove the bodies of their cousins from the sanctuary. This responsibility fell to them as close relatives. The bodies were to be taken outside the camp, signifying their removal from the holy space and the need for purity within the camp.
Lessons from Leviticus 10:4:
- Reverence and obedience: Nadab and Abihu’s tragic end serves as a reminder of the importance of approaching God with reverence and following His instructions. It highlights the seriousness of treating holy things with respect and honoring God’s prescribed ways.
- Consequences of disobedience: Nadab and Abihu’s unauthorized offering resulted in severe consequences. This account serves as a warning against taking God’s commands lightly and deviating from His established order.
- Responsibility of family: Mishael and Elzaphan were called upon to fulfill their familial duty by removing the bodies of their deceased relatives. This demonstrates the importance of supporting and assisting one another in times of crisis and loss.
Application:
- Worship with reverence: When we come before God in worship, whether individually or collectively, we should do so with reverence, recognizing His holiness and following His commands.
- Obedience to God’s Word: God has given us His Word as a guide for our lives. It is essential to study and understand His instructions, obeying them diligently to avoid the consequences of disobedience.
- Support within the family of believers: Just as Mishael and Elzaphan aided their relatives, we should be willing to support and assist fellow believers in times of need, demonstrating Christ’s love and care for one another.
Remember, studying the Bible further and seeking additional insights from trusted pastors, teachers, or commentaries can provide deeper understanding of the context and applications of this verse.
