This verse from Leviticus 10:5 describes the aftermath of Nadab and Abihu's death, who were the sons of Aaron. They offered "unauthorized fire" before the Lord and were consumed by fire. Let's break down the verse:
"So they came near...": "They" refers to Mishael and Elzaphan, who were cousins of Nadab and Abihu (mentioned earlier in the chapter). They were instructed by Moses.
"...and carried them in their coats out of the camp...": Nadab and Abihu died within the tabernacle (the sacred tent). Mishael and Elzaphan had to remove their bodies. Due to the sacredness of the tabernacle and the sudden, divine judgment, touching the bodies could be considered ritually impure. However, obedience to Moses' command superseded this. Carrying them in their coats (likely the tunics they were wearing) minimized direct contact with the corpses and also showed respect for the deceased.
"...as Moses had said.": This emphasizes that Mishael and Elzaphan were acting under direct orders from Moses, who was acting under divine authority. It underscores the importance of obedience and following God's instructions precisely.
In summary, the verse describes Mishael and Elzaphan carrying the bodies of Nadab and Abihu out of the camp in their coats, following Moses' instructions. The act was done to remove the bodies in a respectful manner, with minimal direct contact, and in obedience to divine command. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of adhering to God's specific instructions. It also highlights the authority of Moses as God's spokesperson.
This verse from Leviticus 10:5 describes the aftermath of Nadab and Abihu's death, who were the sons of Aaron. They offered "unauthorized fire" before the Lord and were consumed by fire. Let's break down the verse:
"So they came near...": "They" refers to Mishael and Elzaphan, who were cousins of Nadab and Abihu (mentioned earlier in the chapter). They were instructed by Moses.
"...and carried them in their coats out of the camp...": Nadab and Abihu died within the tabernacle (the sacred tent). Mishael and Elzaphan had to remove their bodies. Due to the sacredness of the tabernacle and the sudden, divine judgment, touching the bodies could be considered ritually impure. However, obedience to Moses' command superseded this. Carrying them in their coats (likely the tunics they were wearing) minimized direct contact with the corpses and also showed respect for the deceased.
"...as Moses had said.": This emphasizes that Mishael and Elzaphan were acting under direct orders from Moses, who was acting under divine authority. It underscores the importance of obedience and following God's instructions precisely.
In summary, the verse describes Mishael and Elzaphan carrying the bodies of Nadab and Abihu out of the camp in their coats, following Moses' instructions. The act was done to remove the bodies in a respectful manner, with minimal direct contact, and in obedience to divine command. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of adhering to God's specific instructions. It also highlights the authority of Moses as God's spokesperson.