Nadab and Abihu died before their father - That is, during his lifetime.

Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest's office - These two served the office during the life of their father Aaron; after his death Eleazar succeeded in the high priesthood. And under Eli the high priest, the family of Ithamar re-entered into that office.

But Nadab and Abihu died before their father,.... While he was living, see Leviticus 10:1.

and had no children, therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priests' office: otherwise, as Jarchi observes, had their brethren left children, they would have come into the office before them.

Cf. Leviticus 10:1., Numbers 3:4. These priestly families David caused (1 Chronicles 24:3) to be divided, along with the two high priests (see on 13:16), "according to their service." פּקדּה, office, official class, as in 1 Chronicles 23:11.

But Nadab and Abihu died {a} before their father, and had no children: therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest's office.

(a) While their father yet lived.

24:2 Therefore, and c. - Were the only persons to whom the execution of that office was committed.

2. Nadab and Abihu died before their father-that is, not in his presence, but during his lifetime (see Nu 3:4; 26:61).

therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest's office-In consequence of the death of his two oldest sons without issue, the descendants of Aaron were comprised in the families of Eleazar and Ithamar. Both of these sons discharged the priestly functions as assistants to their father. Eleazar succeeded him, and in his line the high priesthood continued until it was transferred to the family of Ithamar, in the person of Eli.

24:1-31 The divisions of the priests and Levites. - When every one has, knows, and keeps his place and work, the more there are the better. In the mystical body of Christ, every member has its use, for the good of the whole. Christ is High Priest over the house of God, to whom all believers, being made priests, are to be in subjection. In Christ, no difference is made between bond and free, elder and younger. The younger brethren, if faithful and sincere, shall be no less acceptable to Christ than the fathers. May we all be children of the Lord, fitted to sing his praises for ever in his temple above.