Leviticus 10

Leviticus 10:1

STrange fire] Not taken from the Altar, where the only fire was, which God would have used in all his service. And though the command was not given before, yet it was a sin in undertaking the contrary, before Gods mind was known: Now this sacred fire signifieth the power of the holy Ghost, by which one may offer sacrifices acceptable to God, Romans 8:26. Ephesians 6:18.

Leviticus 10:2

From the Lord] From before the Arke, where God was present in the signes of his Majesty, and efficacy of his working: Some have it, from the Altar; Devoured them] Stisled, burned, and slew them, though it consumed neither their bodies, nor their cloths. v. 45.

Leviticus 10:3

I will be] This is not found set downe any where else, but it seemeth that Moses writ nothing but only abridgments of his sermons; Sanctified] That is to say, I will teach them to reverence my presence and my service, as a holy and inviolable thing, by my severe judgements, which I will bring upon them who shall prophane it, by disobeying my will, that all the people may feare me and honour me; see Isay 26. 15 Come ngh me] In my ministers, which come neere to the signes of my presence, and do my service, Exodus 19:20: Isay 52, 11. Jeremiah 15:19 Held his peace] Through humility, and quiet yeelding to the will of God.

Leviticus 10:6

Uncover not your heads] take not off your miters, nor ornaments of your heads, which was a token of griefe, Ezekiel 24:17; Ezekiel 24:23. See Lev. 13 45. and 21. 19. Some take it for shaving their heads, as Job 1:20. Isay 22. 12. Mich. 1. 16. Now when they uncovered their heads they hid all then face to the eyes; See the second of Samuel, Chap. 15. verse 30. and 19. 4. Jeremiah 14:3. Micah 3:7 Neither rend] See Genesis 37:29. Now sorrow was a kind of Ceremoniall defiling. Leviticus 21:11. Wherefore they ought not to beare any shew thereof, when they were actually performing Gods Service. To signifie unto us that Gods spirituall service, ought to be performed with holy and divine rejoycing. Romans 14:17.

Leviticus 10:7

You shall not] That is to say, forsake not your ordinary function, which you must of necessity do, if you desile your selves with griefe, Leviticus 21:10. Others do take this strictly, as if it had happened within the seven dayes of the consecrations, Leviticus 8:33 For the anointing oyle] Seeing you are consecrated to God, you must forgo all naturall affections for his service, Deu: 33. 9.

Leviticus 10:9

Wine] Some conjecture by this, that Nadab and Abihu had sinned through drunkennesse, Strong drink] All manner of artificiall drink besides the juice of grape, which is apt to make one drunk.

Leviticus 10:12

Eat it] As well for to observe the Law, as also because that fasting was an act of sorrow, forbidden priests, during the time they executed their office.

Leviticus 10:14

In a clean place] Clean from ceremoniall uncleannesse, though it be in a private house, and in no holy place; see Leviticus 2:3.

Leviticus 10:16

It was burnt] Against the order, Levit. 6. 26. That the flesh of every sin offering, whose bloud was not carried into the Sanctuary should be eaten by the Priests. Now this neglect should seeme, happened by reason of the disturbance, which this accident caused.

Leviticus 10:17

To beare] In recompence of your office, by which you are bound to make atonement for the people.

Leviticus 10:18

Was not] This sacrifice was one of those, the flesh of which was to be eaten, by Gods command; which is forbidden in those whose bloud is carried into the Sanctuary, Leviticus 6:30.

Leviticus 10:19

Behold] In this so moutnfull and extraordinary chance, wherin God hath shewed himselfe so wrathfull, would it have pleased him, if that we had observed the customary law of rejoycing, eating in his presence?

Leviticus 10:20

He was content] Seeing that there was great shew of reason in it, and that he thought God approved of it, seeing he had not spoken to him concerning it.