Leviticus 10
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Long ago there was a big, beautiful tent. It was God's tent. Inside that tent everything was special. Everything belonged to God.
Aaron worked in the tent. He was the helper of God. Aaron had two big sons. Their names were Nadab and Abihu.
One day Nadab and Abihu wanted to do something themselves. They took a little pan. They put fire in it. And they walked into God's tent.
But wait. God had not asked them to do this. God had said very carefully how it should be done. And they did not listen. They just did what they wanted.
Then something scary happened. Fire came out of God's tent. And Nadab and Abihu died.
Aaron stood there. His two boys were gone. Aaron did not cry out loud. Aaron was very quiet. He was so, so sad.
Moses came to Aaron. Moses said softly, "God is holy, Aaron. Very, very holy."
What Does This Mean?
God is not the same as you and me. God is holy. That is a big word. It means: God is very special. Very pure. Very big.
When you visit the king, you do not jump on his chair. You do not pull his crown. You are careful. Because a king is special.
God is even more special than a king. That is why we come to God gently. We listen to what He says. We do not just do our own thing.
The Common Thread
Aaron was sad. His boys had done wrong. And Aaron could not fix it.
But God had a plan. Long, long after this, God sent Jesus. Jesus came all the way to us. And Jesus said, "Come to Me. Come close. I make it good."
Because of Jesus you may come to God. Not with fear. But with warm hands and a happy heart. Jesus opened the door.
For You
Do you know what is nice? You may talk to God. Every day. In your bed. At the table. In the car.
God is big and holy. And still He wants to hear you. He listens to your voice. He knows your name.
You do not have to bring a pan of fire. You do not have to be very grown up. You may just come. Like a little child to a big, kind Father.
Just be still for a moment. Fold your hands. And say what is in your heart. God hears it.
Talk About It
Do you know who God is? What is He like?
How do you talk to God? When do you do it?
Praying Together
Dear God,
You are big. You are good. You are holy.
Thank You that I may come to You. Thank You for Jesus. He makes the way to You.
I love You, God.
Amen.
Questions about Leviticus 10
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Leviticus 10 about?
What does Leviticus 10 say?
What does Leviticus 10 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Leviticus 10?
Why is Leviticus 10 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Aaron just lost two sons, and Moses says, "Don't let the hair of your heads go loose, and don't tear your clothes." No wailing allowed. But notice who is handed the tears: "let your brothers, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning." Aaron's grief did not go unwept. Others carried it for him. When you cannot cry, someone may be holding your sorrow before God.
Aaron just buried two sons. Fire from the Lord consumed them. And Moses comes asking why the sin offering was not eaten as commanded. Aaron answers, "if I had eaten the sin offering today, would it have been pleasing in Yahweh's sight?"
There is something tender here. Aaron does not defy the law; he simply cannot pretend everything is fine. His grief is real, and he trusts that God sees it. Sometimes the most honest worship you can offer is to admit you have no appetite for it today.
You shall eat it in a holy place, because it is your portion, and your sons' portion, of the offerings of Yahweh made by fire; for so I am commanded."
Aaron had just buried two sons who offered strange fire. And still, God tells him to sit down and eat. Grief does not cancel provision. Even in the ashes of that day, there was bread set aside with his name on it. Your portion is still your portion, even when your hands are shaking.
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
Philippines
Nigeria
Zimbabwe
India
Zambia
South Africa
Malawi
Kenya
Indonesia
DR Congo
Ghana
Nepal
Cameroon
Mozambique
Benin
