Nadab and Abihu, however, died in the presence of the LORD when they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD in the Wilderness of Sinai. And since they had no sons, only Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron.
Nadab and Abihu die before the LORD for offering unauthorized fire in the wilderness, and because they have no sons, only Eleazar and Ithamar remain as priests with Aaron.
It explains why the active priesthood is reduced to two surviving sons.
1This is the account of Aaron and Moses at the time the LORD spoke with Moses on Mount Sinai. 2These are the names of the sons of Aaron: Nadab the firstborn, then Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 3These were Aaron’s sons, the anointed priests, who were ordained to serve as priests. 4Nadab and Abihu, however, died in the presence of the LORD when they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD in the Wilderness of Sinai. And since they had no sons, only Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron.