Ellen Gould White
What does Ellen White write about...
Ellen Gould White über: "It is about Nadab and Abihu. In Leviticus, chapters 8‑9 describe the inauguration of Aaron and his sons. The question is whether chapter 10 belongs to that, or is a separate period. Ellen White writes about Nadab and Abihu that they regularly drank during the priestly service. According to the gospel, one might think it was the first time they both gave drink during the service."
Answer
According to the available quotations from Ellen G. White, the phrase “free use of wine” suggests that Nadab and Abihu were already accustomed to wine before the incident—it is not presented as a one‑time event. However, the quotations do not explicitly state that they “regularly drank during the priestly service,” but rather that wine consumption generally clouded their mental clarity. Regarding whether Leviticus chapter 10 chronologically belongs to the inauguration in chapters 8–9 or represents a separate period, the provided quotations contain no direct statement.
The sin of Nadab and Abihu is described in the quotations as a result of a lifestyle lacking strict self‑control, not as a single lapse. Ellen White emphasizes that their reasoning was “clouded” by wine, so they could no longer distinguish the holy from the ordinary.
Cause of the sin of Nadab and Abihu
»Nadab and Abihu would never have committed this deadly sin if they had not previously been partially intoxicated by the free use of wine. They understood that the most careful and solemn preparation was necessary before appearing in the sanctuary where the divine presence was manifested; but through excess they were disqualified from their holy office.«
Parental upbringing and discipline
»Here one sees the result of lax discipline. Because these sons of Aaron had not been taught to honor and revere their father's commandments, because they disregarded parental authority, they did not recognize the necessity of explicitly following God's requirements. When they indulged their appetite for wine and stood under its stimulating influence, their reasoning was clouded, and they could not discern the difference between the holy and the ordinary.«
Consequences of wine consumption
»The use of fermented wine caused Nadab and Abihu to confuse the holy with the ordinary, and death was their penalty. After this, strict restrictions were placed on those associated with the holy service.«
- Aaron's inauguration and his sons Leviticus 8-10 Ellen White
- Nadab Abihu strange fire Leviticus 10 timeframe
- Alcohol prohibition for priests Leviticus 10 Ellen White
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
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