Bible Commentaries
Leviticus 10

Verses 1-20

In the record there breaks in a story full of solemn significance. Two sons of Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu were guilty of offering strange fire before the Lord. They were swiftly consumed by fire. The very fire which was the medium of God's acceptance of the offering in worship was the minister of His swift judgment against that which was false. Strangely solemn are the words, "Aaron held his peace." They were his own sons, but his relation to God was superior to his relation to them and his attitude was that of submissive silence.

Closely following these solemn events Moses was charged that Aaron and his sons were to abstain from strong drink. This suggests the possibility that the sin of Nadab and Abihu had been the consequence of their excessive use of wine. Whether this be so or not, the principle is a warning to those devoted to sacred service that they must abstain from any form of false fire.

Moses then repeated instructions already given because of their special value at this juncture. A peril was threatening these men, namely, thinking that in the presence of so severe a judgment they hardly dare partake even of permitted things. The necessity for this is revealed in the fact that Aaron, Ithamar, and Eleazer had not done according to instructions, and Aaron declared he had not dared to do so in view of the things which had befallen him.