“Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations.”
Context: Leviticus is a book of the Bible that primarily deals with the laws and regulations given to the Israelites by God through Moses. Leviticus 10:9 comes after the account of the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests and the dedication of the tabernacle.
Prohibition of wine and strong drink: In this verse, God instructs Aaron and his sons, the priests, not to drink wine or strong drink when they enter the tabernacle of the congregation. The purpose of this command is to ensure that they maintain a clear mind and remain focused on their sacred duties as priests.
Significance of the tabernacle: The tabernacle was the portable sanctuary where the Israelites worshiped and offered sacrifices to God. It was a holy place, and the priests had the responsibility of ministering before the Lord on behalf of the people. By prohibiting them from drinking alcoholic beverages, God emphasized the importance of approaching Him with reverence and a clear mind.
Spiritual symbolism: The prohibition of wine and strong drink in the tabernacle holds symbolic significance. Wine and strong drink can impair judgment, cloud the mind, and lead to a lack of self-control. God wanted His priests to be sober and focused on their sacred duties, representing purity, holiness, and spiritual clarity. This command also emphasized the separation between the sacred and the profane, reminding the priests of the need to maintain a distinct lifestyle in service to God.
Eternal statute: God declares that this prohibition is to be observed as an everlasting statute throughout the generations of the priesthood. It was not a temporary command but a permanent requirement for the priests as they ministered in the tabernacle and later in the temple. This demonstrates the enduring nature of God’s standards and expectations for His chosen servants.
Application today: While Leviticus 10:9 specifically applies to the priesthood in the context of the tabernacle, there are important principles we can glean from this verse. It reminds us of the need for reverence, self-control, and a clear mind when approaching God in worship and service. As believers, we are called to present ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). This entails dedicating our whole being to Him, including our thoughts, actions, and choices.
In conclusion, Leviticus 10:9 emphasizes the importance of sobriety, reverence, and spiritual clarity when approaching God. The prohibition of wine and strong drink for the priests entering the tabernacle serves as a reminder for us to approach God with a clear mind and a heart dedicated to Him. While the specific command applies to the priests of the Old Testament, the underlying principles remain relevant for believers today as we seek to honor God in our worship and service.
