Contradiction with Exodus 30:9
This verse prohibits offering strange incense, implying prescribed offerings, while Leviticus 10:1 describes Nadab and Abihu offering strange fire, suggesting a violation of this commandment.
Exodus 30:9: Ye shall offer no strange incense thereon, nor burnt sacrifice, nor meat offering; neither shall ye pour drink offering thereon.
Contradiction with Numbers 16:46
Aaron uses incense to stop a plague, which seems to contradict Leviticus 10:1 where a similar act leads to death, suggesting differing outcomes for using incense inappropriately.
Numbers 16:46: And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun.
Contradiction with Hebrews 4:16
This verse invites believers to come boldly to God, contrasting with Leviticus 10:1 where approaching God improperly results in fatality, indicating differing access to God.
Hebrews 4:16: Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Contradiction with Psalm 2:11
This verse encourages serving the Lord with fear yet rejoicing, whereas Leviticus 10:1 results in punishment for an act of worship, displaying a tension in how worship is approached.
Psalm 2:11: Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
Contradiction with Isaiah 1:11
The declaration that God is not pleased with the multitude of sacrifices contrasts with Leviticus 10:1, where incorrect sacrifice leads to dire consequences, highlighting differing divine expectations.
Isaiah 1:11: To what purpose [is] the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. [he goats: Heb. great he goats]
Paradox #1
Leviticus 10:1 might raise questions about why God would punish someone for worship practices that seem zealous or well-intentioned but not exactly as instructed. This raises issues about the nature of God's justice and whether it seems fair or overly strict from a human perspective. It can also lead to questions about the balance between worshiping with sincerity and following specific instructions.
Paradox #2
Leviticus 10:1 might raise questions about why God punished Nadab and Abihu when they made an offering that was not commanded by Him. This could be seen as conflicting with the idea of God's mercy and forgiveness. Some people might wonder why such a severe punishment was necessary for what seems like a mistake, leading to discussions about the balance between God's justice and mercy.
Paradox #3
Leviticus 10:1 might raise questions about the fairness or harshness of the punishment received by Aaron's sons for their actions. Some might see a contradiction in how immediate and severe the consequence is compared to other parts of the Bible that emphasize forgiveness and redemption.