In Leviticus 10, Nadab and Abihu were struck down for getting the incense recipe wrong. Isn't this a bit severe?
God had already indicated he would not tolerate improvising when it came to offering the sacred fire (Exodus 30). It seems these sons of Aaron got into trouble because of the state in which they approached their priestly duties. Leviticus 10:9 reads, "You Aaron and your sons are not to drink wine or other fermented drink whenever you go into the Tent of Meeting, or you will die." It appears the fatal carelessness of Nadab and Abihu sprang from their inebriated condition.
Yet the immediate problem was their offering "unauthorized fire." Perhaps their judgment was affected.
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