Leviticus 10:9

Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: [it shall be] a statute for ever throughout your generations:

Do not drink {H8354} wine {H3196} nor strong drink {H7941}, thou, nor thy sons {H1121} with thee, when ye go {H935} into the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}, lest ye die {H4191}: it shall be a statute {H2708} for ever {H5769} throughout your generations {H1755}:

"Don't drink any wine or other intoxicating liquor, neither you nor your sons with you, when you enter the tent of meeting, so that you will not die. This is to be a permanent regulation through all your generations,

“You and your sons are not to drink wine or strong drink when you enter the Tent of Meeting, or else you will die; this is a permanent statute for the generations to come.

Drink no wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tent of meeting, that ye die not: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations:

Commentary

Leviticus 10:9 is a direct command given to Aaron and his sons, the priests, concerning their conduct when entering the Tabernacle. It prohibits the consumption of wine or strong drink before performing their sacred duties, under penalty of death. This verse underscores the solemnity and purity required for those serving in God's presence.

Context

This command follows immediately after the tragic incident where Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, were consumed by fire for offering "strange fire" before the Lord (Leviticus 10:1-2). Their error may have been linked to intoxication or a lack of sobriety, leading to impaired judgment regarding the holy things of God. Therefore, this prohibition serves as a crucial safeguard to ensure the priests maintained clear minds and reverent attitudes necessary to distinguish between the holy and the unholy, the clean and the unclean (Leviticus 10:10).

Key Themes

  • Priestly Holiness and Purity: Emphasizes the high standard of conduct required for those who minister before God.
  • Sobriety in Service: Highlights the necessity of having a clear mind and being free from intoxicating influences when engaged in sacred duties.
  • Avoiding Impaired Judgment: Warns against anything that could hinder the ability to discern God's will and perform duties correctly.
  • Eternal Statute: Declares this requirement as a perpetual law for the Levitical priesthood throughout their generations.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "strong drink" (Hebrew: shekar) refers to any fermented beverage besides wine, such as beer or other intoxicating drinks made from grains or fruits. The prohibition covers all forms of alcohol that could impair judgment. The severity of the command ("lest ye die") underscores the critical importance of the priests' mental and spiritual state while ministering in the Tabernacle.

Reflection and Application

While this command was specifically for the Levitical priests, the underlying principles have enduring relevance. Believers are called a "royal priesthood" in the New Testament. This verse reminds us of the need for spiritual sobriety and clear-mindedness in our approach to God, worship, and service. Anything that dulls our spiritual senses or impairs our judgment regarding God's truth should be avoided, ensuring we can always offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 1:15

    For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.

  • 1 Timothy 3:3

    Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

  • Titus 1:7

    For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

  • Ezekiel 44:21

    Neither shall any priest drink wine, when they enter into the inner court.

  • Ephesians 5:18

    And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

  • Isaiah 28:7

    But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble [in] judgment.

  • Numbers 6:3

    He shall separate [himself] from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried.
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