devoured them = slew them; for they were not consumed, as is shown in Lev_10:4 and Lev_10:6. Note the three fires here: (1) the fire of true worship (Lev_9:24); (2) the strange fire of false worship (Lev_10:1); (3) the devouring fire of judgment (Lev_10:2).
died before the LORD: i.e. in the court of the sanctuary, where their sin had been committed.