And the sons of Aaron, Nadav and Abihu, took [coals] from their censers and put them on the fire, and put on them incense, and they brought before ADONAI a strange fire, which he had not commanded them. And a fire came out from before ADONAI and consumed them and they died before ADONAI. And Moses said to Aaron, it is as the word of ADONAI said, "by my intimates [priests] I shall be sanctified and in the sight of all the people I will be honored," and Aaron was silent.
[Lev. 10:1-3]
The priests are the intimates of God; since they have this intimacy, they may not use it for themselves and in secret, but only openly, and for the people.
The soldier is granted the power of death; since he has this power, he may not fight on his own account, but only for the safety of his country.
The king is granted rule over the land; since he has this authority, he may not use it for his own benefit, but only for the benefit of the people who are his responsibility.
December 26 2004, 15:20:19 UTC 11 years ago
December 26 2004, 15:41:07 UTC 11 years ago
December 26 2004, 17:06:10 UTC 11 years ago