Leviticus 10:2

Fire from the Lord. The effect upon the people gathered for the hour of prayer must have been profound. A few months previously Israel had witnessed the great display of God’s power at the giving of the law; then they apostatized and worshiped the golden calf. God was ready to disown them, but at Moses’ pleading they were again restored. Now they had built the tabernacle, which had been accepted, and God had shown His pleasure in the spirit of devotion it represented by sending fire to consume the offering. And now at the time of the evening sacrifice, when the people were gathered expectantly, the stroke came. Two of Aaron’s sons were dead. Rejoicing was turned into grief and perplexity. Had God forsaken them? What did this tragedy mean?