Leviticus 8 - 10

Moses oversees the anointing and ordination of Aaron and his sons as the Lord had commanded, and after installation as Israel’s first High Priest Aaron offers the required sacrifices for himself, and then all the people.

Nadab and Abihu, two of Aaron’s sons who had just been anointed, presumptuously burned incense before God with fire that did not come from God’s alter of sacrifice, and they were immediately judged and killed for their offense.

Moses tells Aaron and his two remaining sons to continue in their newly appointed responsibilities, or they might also suffer God’s judgement. Moses warns Aaron of what God required, saying “by those who come near Me I will be treated as Holy”.

James warns in chapter 3 of his epistle that those who seek to teach God’s Word, and represent God before the people, will face a stricter judgement.