A fire came forth from before the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. The timing couldn t have been more dramatic. This happiest of occasions, when the work of the sanctuary is completed, and God s Holy Presence arrives to validate the construction of this Holy Tabernacle, ends in death and destruction. It is doubtful that Aaron understands the reason for the death of his two sons. I picture him as raising glazed eyes to his brother Moses, who enters to share yet more directions from this exacting Deity.
Divine timing is everything.
Aaron cannot enter the Holy of Holies whenever the spirit moves him. There are to be set times and seasons for Holy Intimacy. R. Abba is quoted in the Zohar as saying that there are times which are favorable for receiving God s blessings, and having prayers answered, and other times of uncertainty and suspense. Just as nature cycles through the seasons, and a day cycles through the qualities of morning, afternoon and evening, there is to be a time that is most appropriate to plead for the continued forgiveness of the sins of the Jewish people. The day is to be fixed in time forever.