Aaron Remained Silent

Not a single tear left his eye.

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 fro8m the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord.

This broken-hearted father was unable to grieve. He knew the tunic he wore as a high priest could not be torn even if he wanted to (tearing one’s clothing was a sign of deep grief). He chose to remain silent. His life was set aside for honoring God before men.

Aaron’s love for the One True God was much greater than the love he had for his sons.

It wasn’t always like that. He paid a high price for putting his love of the One True God below men and other gods. The blood of 3,000 of his kinsmen was the exact cost.

The calling on his life to be a high priest began the day he was born. At the base of Mt Sinai the people under his care were completely forlorn without having their new God take on the form of something to worship. His priestly heart had pity on those he loved so dearly.

Were Nadab and Abihu by his side when he made the fire that forged a god of Egypt for the people? Did they know that only days before, their father was warned against doing such a thing? Did they see the cost of disobedience?

How did Aaron escape the slaughter of those who worshiped that golden calf that his own hands created? The Lord was angry enough with Aaron to destroy him. Moses took on the sin of his brother and asked God to kill him instead.

The God of mercy set His affection to love Aaron instead of destroy him.

The priestly tunic of exquisite linen was put over Aaron’s head. Closing his eyes as it came to rest on his shoulders, he was able to sense what complete forgiveness felt like.

Never again would he put anyone or anything above his Almighty. Even his own sons.