Leviticus 10:8-11 - Homilies By S.r. Aldridge

Sobriety in the priesthood.

The Jews say that Nadab and Abihu were inebriated when they sinned in offering strange fire, and that this law, forbidding intoxicants to the priests while serving in the holy place, was given in consequence. It is remarkable that, whereas both before and after this God spake "by the hand of Moses," the instruction before us was given, immediately, "to Aaron." The reasons for the prohibition are—

I. THAT MINISTERS SHOULD BE RECOLLECTED IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD .

1 . He was present in the tabernacle.

2 . And God is jealous of his honour.

II. THAT THEY NEED THEIR FACULTIES TO KEEP THEIR CHARGE ,

1 . They have to judge in holy things.

(a) that he might save his soul alive,

(b) and that he might fittingly typify Christ, whose judgment in moral and spiritual causes is true.

2 . They have to teach the statutes of the Lord.