ESV Reformation Study Bible – Lev 10:2
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Lev 10:2

10:2 fire came out from before the Lord. The Old Testament frequently warned against approaching God in an unfit state (Ex. 19:12, 21); this principle is also evident in the New Testament (Acts 5:1–10; 1 Cor. 11:29, 30). Eating sacrificial food while unclean (7:21) or entering the Most Holy Place without divine approval might lead to death (16:2). The same divine fire that ignited the inaugural sacrifice, providing atonement for the people (9:24), now engulfed those who encroached upon His altar in an unauthorized fashion. So also the same divine wrath against sin that fell upon Christ in His vicarious sacrifice for His people will blaze against those who reject that sacrifice and yet attempt to approach God in their sin (Heb. 10:26–31).