Priests were forbidden to drink wine before entering the tabernacle to ensure that they served with a clear mind and full reverence. Intoxication could lead to careless mistakes, disrespect, or disobedience in a setting where absolute holiness was required.
Leviticus 10:9 says:
“Do not drink wine or intoxicating drink, you, nor your sons with you, when you go into the tabernacle of meeting, lest you die. It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations.”
This command came immediately after the judgment of Nadab and Abihu, indicating that their offense may have been influenced by improper conduct, possibly even intoxication. Regardless, God made it clear that priests were to approach their duties with sobriety and seriousness.
Verse 10 further explains the purpose:
“That you may distinguish between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean.”
Priestly service required discernment, precision, and an awareness of God’s holiness. Anything that impaired judgment or diminished reverence was unacceptable. The tabernacle was a place of divine presence, and those who served there had to be fully alert and consecrated.
This law foreshadowed the call for all believers, especially leaders, to remain spiritually sober and self-controlled. 1 Peter 5:8 says:
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
