Editing Nadab and Abihu (section)

==In Judaism==
The sin of Nadab and Abihu was a serious violation of the duties reserved for their father, the [[High Priest of Israel|high priest]]. However, their offense was not limited to just overstepping boundaries; it involved multiple transgressions. First, without authorization, they took it upon themselves to perform the [[Incense offering in rabbinic literature|incense service]], the most sacred and important priestly responsibilities. Second, they collaborated in a task that only the high priest was allowed to carry out. Lastly, they assumed the responsibility of lighting the [[Burnt offering (Judaism)|fire offering]] themselves. In doing so, they "offered foreign fire before the Lord," demonstrating a presumptuous and unauthorized intrusion into a sacred role not rightfully theirs.<ref>Kolatch, Yonotan. Masters of the Word: Traditional Jewish Bible Commentary from the Eleventh Through Thirteenth Centuries. KTAV Publishing House. 2001. Page 307-308.</ref> In these actions, they showed carelessness, irreverence, and a want of faith—especially grievous for those in the priestly service.<ref>Kolatch, Yonotan. Masters of the Word: Traditional Jewish Bible Commentary from the Eleventh Through Thirteenth Centuries. KTAV Publishing House. 2001. Page 307-308</ref> A precedent of such evil tendency was dangerous, and it was imperatively necessary for the priests and the sacred items that God should give a punishment.<ref>Carmi, Gloria. A Torah Commentary for Our Times: Exodus and Leviticus. 1983. {{ISBN|0-8074-0530-2}}.</ref>