The instructions to Mishael and Elzaphan must be interpreted in light of what follows. Aaron and his family are instructed not to mourn the death of his sons, or even have the appearance of mourning. Their acceptance of God's discipline of the priestly line was instructive to the congregation. Mishael and Elzaphan are summoned to carry out the funeral duties.
4 And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said to them, “Come near; carry your brothers away from the front of the sanctuary and out of the camp.”