Leviticus 10:3

Them that come nigh me] i.e. the priests (cp. Exodus 19:22; Ezekiel 42:13; Ezekiel 43:19). The greater the privilege the greater the responsibility. Judgement begins at the house of God (1 Peter 4:17). Held his peace] acknowledged the justice of the penalty.

4. See Exodus 6:22. It would not have been unlawful for the surviving brothers to perform this office (see Leviticus 21:1), but probably to spare their feelings the cousins of Aaron were selected for the duty.

6, 7. Uncover not your heads] RV 'Let not the hair of your heads go loose.' Aaron and his sons are forbidden to exhibit the usual signs of mourning, dishevelled hair and rent garments, or to interrupt their priestly functions, as an object lesson of submission to righteous judgment.

8, 9. The priests were not absolutely forbidden the use of wine, but only when performing their priestly duties: see prefatory remarks, and cp. Ezekiel 44:21.