Leviticus 10:1

Nadab and Abihu. These were two of the sons of Aaron, and hence nephews of Moses. Next to Moses and Aaron they occupied the highest positions in Israel and had many advantages and privileges. They had heard the voice of God; they had been with Moses and Aaron in the mount of God; they had seen the God of Israel, and “did eat and drink” (Ex. 24:9-11). They had been greatly favored; but had not profited by their opportunities.

Shortly before the events noted in this chapter they had spent a week in study and meditation, preparing for the day when they should begin their sanctuary service. They had assisted their father as he offered sacrifices, and had brought the blood of the victims to him (Lev. 9:9). They had witnessed the solemn service of dedication, and had themselves been sprinkled with sacrificial blood. They had been thoroughly indoctrinated, and were fully acquainted with the sacredness of God’s work. All of this only made their sin the greater. They were without excuse. When the time came for them to officiate, they did that which the Lord their God “commanded them not.”

Strange fire. Ordinary fire. It was not taken from the altar of burnt offering, whose fire God Himself had kindled and which was therefore sacred (ch. 16:12, 13). In the court of the congregation there were hearths where the priests prepared their food, and it may be that Nadab and Abihu took their common fire from thence.