Page 623 - Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible Christianity. Based on the King James Bible

STRANGE FIRE - STRONG DRINK

contrary to His express instructions (Le. 10:1-7). The Tabernacle.]
“strange doctrines” (He. 13:9) refer to doctrine contrary STRANGE WOMAN. The immoral woman; any
to Apostolic revelation. The “strange flesh” (Jude 1:7) woman with whom a man would be tempted to have
refers to homosexual acts contrary to the natural order sexual improprieties other than his own wife (Pr. 2:16;
which God established for sexual relationships. [See 5:3, 10, 17, 20; 7:5; 22:14; 23:33). Characteristics of the
Abomination, Strange Fire, Strange Woman.] Strange Woman: (1) Improperly clothed (Pr. 7:10);
STRANGE FIRE. Strange fire is God’s description of contrast 1 Ti. 2:9; 1 Pe. 3:2. (2) Subtil of heart (Pr.
the sin of Nadab and Abihu (Le. 10:1-11). Chiefly, their 7:10); contrast Tit. 2:4. (3) Loud (Pr. 7:11); contrast 1
sin was presumption and disorder in the service of God. Pe. 3:4. (4) Stubborn (Pr. 7:11); contrast 1 Ti. 2:11; (5)
The exact nature of their sin had to do with the Not content to stay at home (Pr. 7:11-12); contrast Tit.
following: (1) They used censers and incense apart from 2:5. (6) Intrigued by immorality (Pr. 7:12); contrast Tit.
God’s commandment. The occasion of this sin was the 2:4-5. (7) Façade of religion (Pr. 7:14); contrast 1 Pe.
setting up of the Tabernacle. The preceding passage 3:5. (8) Unfaithful to her marriage vows (Pr. 7:19);
emphasizes that everything had been done “as the Lord contrast Pr. 31:11. The Protection from the Strange
commanded.” This expression is repeated at least 12 Woman (Pr. 7:24-27): (1) Learn wisdom and obedience
times in Leviticus chapters 8 and 9. Moses and Aaron in childhood and youth (v. 24). (2) Guard the heart (v.
did everything precisely “according to the manner” of 25; Job 31:1; Pr. 4:23-27). (3) Guard the footsteps (v.
God’s prescribed order (Le. 9:15). God had not told 25). (4) Remember immorality’s power (v. 26). (5)
them to offer incense at this time nor in this manner. Remember immorality’s wages (v. 27). [See Adultery,
The only divine instructions God had given about Fornication, Guide of Her Youth, Modesty, Precious Life,
incense in the Tabernacle service to that point pertained Prostitution.]
to the golden incense altar (Ex. 30:1-8). God had STRAW. (1) Grass (Ge. 24:25; Ex. 5:7). (2) Scatter
prescribed that Aaron, the high priest, was to burn (Mt. 21:8).
incense thereon. Nothing had been written to give STREW. To scatter; sprinkle (Ex. 32:20; Mt. 25:24).
permission for other priests to burn incense. Thus
Nadab and Abihu were acting out of presumption, and STRICKEN. (1) Advanced in years (Ge. 18:11; 24:1;
God used this solemn occasion to fortify the importance Jos. 13:1; 1 Ki. 1:1; Lk. 1:7). (2) Past participle of strike
of obeying His Word in matters of religious duty. (2) It is (Ju. 5:26; Is. 1:5; 53:4).
possible that this offense was connected with the source STRIFE. Contention; quarreling; fighting (Ge. 13:7;
of the fire Nadab and Abihu offered. Just previous to Pr. 15:18; 17:1; 20:3; 26:17; 30:33; Ro. 13:13; 1 Co.
this God had consumed the offering on the altar of 3:3; 2 Co. 12:20; Ga. 5:20; Ph. 1:15; 2:3; 1 Ti. 6:3; Ja.
sacrifice (Le. 9:24). The incense offered on the Day of 3:14, 16). [See Anger, Dissension, Variance.]
Atonement was to be laid on coals taken from the fire STRIKE HANDS. To become surety for someone; to
burning on the altar of sacrifice (Le. 16:11-12). This fire conclude a contract by striking hands together (Job
pointed to the wrath which would be poured out upon 17:3; Pr. 17:18; 22:26). [See Surety.]
Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who would take away the STRIKER. Quarrelsome; contentious; a fighter;
sin of the world. The divine fire burning on the altar pugnacious; a smiter (1 Ti. 3:3; Tit. 1:7). [See Anger,
that day solemnly represented the Cross of Jesus Christ. Gentle, Patience, Strife.]
For Nadab and Abihu to bring fire into the Tabernacle at STRIPLING. A youth in the state of adolescence, or
this time from a common source would have been just passing from boyhood to manhood; a lad (Webster)
abominable to God in that they thereby ignored the (1 Sa. 17:56).
importance of the fire which symbolized the ONE and STRONG DRINK. Intoxicating alcoholic beverage
ONLY sacrifice and altar acceptable to God. (3) It is (Le. 10:9; Nu. 6:3; 1 Sa. 1:15; Pr. 20:1; 31:4; Is. 24:9;
possible that Nadab and Abihu had entered into the very 28:7; 56:12; Mi. 2:11). Some identifying characteristics
holy of holies (compare 16:1, 2). Entrance into God’s of strong drink are these: (1) It inflames (Is. 5:11). Any
very presence, of course, was barred except for the high alcoholic beverage that has the potential to inflame the
priest, who could enter once a year to make the human passions is forbidden by Scripture. (2) It
Atonement. All of this signified “that the way into the “moveth itself aright” (Pr. 23:31), referring to the
holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the fermentation process, and is a warning against all
first tabernacle was yet standing” (He. 9:7-9). (4) It is alcoholic wine. (3) It is “mixed wine” (Pr. 23:30),
also possible that Nadab and Abihu were intoxicated. referring to the mingling of grape juice with stimulants.
The account of their sin is immediately followed by a [See Drunkenness, Wine.]
proscription against priests drinking alcoholic beverages
(Le. 10:8-11). [See Abomination, Censer, Incense,

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 623