Not long after Aaron and his sons began their priestly duties, a solemn and sobering event took place. The Lord had given strict commands about how the priests were to conduct themselves before Him, but one day, two of Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, acted contrary to His instructions.
They took unauthorized fire, kindled it, and offered strange incense before the Lord—a fire and offering that He had not commanded. Suddenly, fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord.
Moses was deeply grieved, but he reminded Aaron and the other priests that this was what the Lord had spoken: "Among those who come near Me, I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified."
Moses instructed Aaron and his remaining sons not to mourn openly or leave the sanctuary, so that they would not bring further guilt upon the people or profane the holy place.
God also told Aaron that he must not drink wine or strong drink when he entered the tent of meeting, so that he could distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the clean and the unclean.
The remaining priests obeyed these commands, understanding the seriousness of their sacred office. They knew that serving God required reverence, obedience, and purity.
Through this tragic event, the people learned the holiness of God and the importance of following His commands exactly. God’s presence was powerful and holy, and those who served Him had to honor Him with utmost respect.
The death of Nadab and Abihu served as a solemn reminder that God is holy and that His instructions are not to be taken lightly.

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