Aaron intervenes on behalf of his sons and attempts to defend their actions. He suggests that in light of the unique circumstances of the day (the death of Nadab and Abihu) it would have been inappropriate for them to enjoy the food of these offerings. Currid writes, “Aaron’s defence invokes the fear of God, on the one hand, and the funereal circumstances, on the other.”1
19 And Aaron said to Moses, “Behold, today they have offered their sin offering and their burnt offering before the LORD, and yet such things as these have happened to me! If I had eaten the sin offering today, would the LORD have approved?”