What is the context?
The Lord speaks directly to Aaron, prohibiting wine or strong drink when he and his sons enter the Tent of Meeting. Their responsibility includes distinguishing holy from common and clean from unclean, and teaching Israel God’s instructions.
The prohibition is connected with clear judgment in their service. Its placement after Nadab and Abihu’s deaths makes sobriety a serious concern, but the narrative does not explicitly say they were drunk.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Wesley suggests intoxication may explain the earlier offense, while admitting that explanation is not certain. The USCCB notes distinguish what is set apart from what is ordinary, and both from whether something is clean or unclean. Ordinary is not simply another word for wicked. 1 Timothy 3:1–7 also joins sober judgment and ability to teach in its description of an overseer, without turning Aaron’s service into the same office.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.