What is strange fire in the bible?

In the Bible, the incident of strange fire is mentioned in the book of Leviticus, specifically in Leviticus 10:1-3. It recounts a tragic event involving two of Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, who offered "strange fire" before the Lord.

According to the account, Nadab and Abihu were newly ordained priests, serving in the tabernacle, which was the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites in the wilderness. Their father, Aaron, was the High Priest. On the day of their anointing, they took their censers, filled them with fire, and offered incense to the Lord. However, they used fire that was not commanded by God, known as "strange fire", which violated His specific instructions.

As a consequence, God's fire came out from His presence and consumed Nadab and Abihu, resulting in their deaths. Moses, who served as the mediator between God and the people, warned Aaron and his remaining sons not to show any signs of mourning or remove their priestly garments to avoid diminishing the holiness of the situation.

The exact nature of the "strange fire" offered by Nadab and Abihu is not clearly mentioned in the Biblical text. Various interpretations have been suggested throughout history. Some scholars speculate that they might have used unauthorized fire, which could have come from a different source than the one ordained by God. Others suggest that they may have approached God in a careless or irreverent manner.

This event, known as the incident of strange fire, serves as a warning against disregarding the specific instructions and commands of God. It emphasizes the importance of obedience and reverence in the worship of God. It is also seen as a reminder that God is holy and demands obedience and reverence in all aspects of life.

Overall, the incident of strange fire in the Bible remains a solemn reminder of the consequences of deviating from God's instructions and the importance of approaching Him with reverence, humility, and obedience.