Abi'hu, a significant figure in the Old Testament, is recognized as one of the sons of Aaron, the brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. His name, Abi'hu, means "He is my father" in Hebrew, reflecting a possible divine acknowledgment or familial pride. Abi'hu is primarily mentioned in the context of his priestly duties and his tragic end.

Family and Lineage

Abi'hu was the second son of Aaron and Elisheba, making him a member of the Levitical priesthood by birth. His brothers were Nadab, Eleazar, and Ithamar. As part of Aaron's family, Abi'hu was consecrated to serve as a priest alongside his father and brothers. This consecration is detailed in the Book of Exodus, where God commands Moses to anoint Aaron and his sons for the priestly office (Exodus 28:1).

Priestly Role

Abi'hu, along with his brothers, was set apart for the service of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the desert. The priestly duties included offering sacrifices, maintaining the sacred fire, and performing various rituals as prescribed by the Mosaic Law. Abi'hu's role was crucial in the religious life of the Israelite community, as the priests acted as mediators between God and the people.

Incident of Strange Fire

The most notable event involving Abi'hu is recorded in Leviticus 10:1-2. Abi'hu and his brother Nadab offered "unauthorized fire" before the Lord, which He had not commanded them to do. The Berean Standard Bible recounts this incident: "Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them, and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD" (Leviticus 10:1-2).

This act of disobedience resulted in their immediate death, serving as a stern warning about the sanctity and seriousness of the priestly office and the importance of adhering strictly to God's commands. The exact nature of their transgression is not detailed, but it is clear that their actions were a grave violation of the divine instructions given to the priests.

Aftermath and Legacy

Following the death of Abi'hu and Nadab, Moses instructed Aaron and his remaining sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, not to mourn publicly, emphasizing the need to uphold the holiness of the priesthood (Leviticus 10:6-7). This incident underscored the importance of obedience and reverence in worship, setting a precedent for future generations of priests.

Abi'hu's account is a sobering reminder of the consequences of deviating from God's commands, especially for those in positions of spiritual leadership. His life and untimely death are often cited in discussions about the holiness required of those who serve in religious capacities and the dangers of presumption in worship practices.Abi'hu (12 Occurrences)

Exodus 6:23
And Aaron took him Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab, the sister of Nahshon, to wife; and she bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.
(See RSV)

Exodus 24:1
And unto Moses He said: 'Come up unto the LORD, thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship ye afar off;
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Exodus 24:9
Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel;
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Exodus 28:1
And bring thou near unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that they may minister unto Me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.
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Leviticus 10:1
And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took each of them his censer, and put fire therein, and laid incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them.
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Numbers 3:2
And these are the names of the sons of Aaron: Nadab the first-born, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
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Numbers 3:4
And Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD, when they offered strange fire before the LORD, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children; and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest's office in the presence of Aaron their father.
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Numbers 26:60
And unto Aaron were born Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.
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Numbers 26:61
And Nadab and Abihu died, when they offered strange fire before the LORD.
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1 Chronicles 6:3
And the children of Amram: Aaron, and Moses, and Miriam. And the sons of Aaron: Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.
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1 Chronicles 24:1
And the courses of the sons of Aaron were these. The sons of Aaron: Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.
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1 Chronicles 24:2
But Nadab and Abihu died before their father, and had no children; therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest's office.
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Abi'hu (12 Occurrences)
Abi'hu. Abihu, Abi'hu. Abihud . Multi-Version Concordance Abi'hu (12
Occurrences). Exodus 6:23 And Aaron took him Elisheba, the ...
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Abihu (12 Occurrences)

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Abihud (3 Occurrences)

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