Leviticus 10:1-20

Sin and Death of Nadab and Abihu

An illustration of the necessity of a punctilious observance of the regulations. We have no means of ascertaining the precise nature of the trespass committed by the two eldest sons of Aaron. In view of Leviticus 16:12 (cp. Numbers 16:46; Revelation 8:5) we may suppose that the sin Jay in the use of common fire, instead of fire taken from the altar. But the phrase strange fire is wide enough to cover any breach of the laws regulating the preparation and use of incense (see Exodus 30:1; Exodus 30:34). Leviticus 16:1 might also lead us to infer that Nadab and Abihu presumptuously penetrated into the Holy of Holies. Leviticus 16:16 of the present chapter show that the trespass was committed on the day of their entering upon office (cp. Leviticus 9:1.). From the fact that the prohibition against the use of wine by priests on duty follows immediately upon this incident (Leviticus 10:8) it has been inferred by later Jewish writers and many modern commentators that Nadab and Abihu sinned when in a state of intoxication. There is, however, no real ground for this supposition, as Leviticus 16:8 form a separate and disconnected fragment.