YAHWEH WILL not allow his holiness to be violated, especially not by those called to serve Him. That is the takeaway from today’s study, in which Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, are destroyed by God with a blast of fire.
Their offense? Offering “strange fire” or “unauthorized fire” in the holy place–possibly, according to some traditions, while they were drunk.
That seems harsh to our modern sensibilities, but it was a powerful message to the congregation of Israel: “Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified.” (Lev. 10:3)