Definition: 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 for ever throughout your generations:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 10:9. It’s a really important and somewhat strange rule about drinking and partying while in the Tabernacle – which was a special building used by God to dwell with his people. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Core Idea: Don’t drink wine or strong alcohol while you are inside the Tabernacle. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Do not drink wine nor strong drink…” : This is a direct command from God. He wants to protect his people from something that could be harmful. “…thou, nor thy sons with thee…” : This part is key. It's about who you’re allowed to drink with. It’s specifically for the leaders of the community – the priests and those in positions of authority. It means you shouldn’t be drinking with anyone who isn't part of your leadership group. “…when ye go into the Tabernacle…” : This refers to a special building called the Tabernacle. It was a place where God lived among his people, and it was a symbol of his presence. It was a protected space. "...lest ye die: [it shall be] a statute for ever throughout your generations:" : This is the scary part! This verse says that if you do drink wine or strong alcohol while in the Tabernacle, it will have a permanent consequence – it’s a law that will last forever. What does this mean practically? It's essentially a way for God to keep his people safe and prevent them from being corrupted by temptation. He wanted to ensure they remained focused on worshiping him and following his laws. It was a reminder of the importance of holiness and obedience. In short, it’s a rule about maintaining a holy and protected environment for the community. Why is this important? This verse highlights God's control and protection over his people. It shows that he doesn’t tolerate wickedness or behavior that could disrupt his plan of worship and connection with him. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail (e.g., its historical context)? Compare it to another biblical passage? Give you some examples of what might have been considered "strong drink" in ancient times?