Leviticus 10:12–20—Why Didn’t Aaron Eat the Meat from the Offering?

Moses noticed that Aaron and his sons Eleazar and Ithamar did not eat the sin offering the way they were instructed. In response, Aaron told Moses that he didn’t feel right about eating the meat after what happened to his other sons because of their disobedience. This answer satisfied Moses. We should not participate in certain ordinances, like the sacrament, when we have not repented or when our priesthood leader has counseled us not to. If one desires to repent and improve, has not committed serious sins that have not yet been resolved with his bishop, and is not under priesthood restriction, the person is worthy to partake of the sacrament.

Give Counsel on Properly Respecting the Priesthood

The Lord obviously does not strike dead all unrighteous, disrespectful priesthood holders today. In Leviticus 10, however, it was important that the Lord give this forceful lesson since Aaron’s sons treated the priesthood lightly so soon after the dramatic display of God’s glory at their setting apart (see Leviticus 9). To emphasize the importance of properly respecting the priesthood, use Leviticus 10:1–7 and Doctrine and Covenants 121:36–38 to give counsel to a young man who might be considering playing a “practical joke” as part of his involvement with the sacrament.

Why Not?