Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:Abihu is a biblical figure known as one of the sons of Aaron, the brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. Abihu, along with his brother Nadab, is most notably remembered for his role in a significant event involving unauthorized worship, which led to his untimely death. Family Background: Abihu 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 a son of Aaron, Abihu was part of the priestly lineage, which played a crucial role in the religious life of the Israelites. Priestly Role: Abihu, along with his brothers, was consecrated as a priest to serve in the tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the desert. This consecration is detailed in the Book of Exodus, where God commands Moses to anoint Aaron and his sons for the priesthood (Exodus 28:1). The Incident of Unauthorized Fire: The most significant event involving Abihu is recorded in Leviticus 10:1-2. Abihu and his brother Nadab offered "unauthorized fire" before the LORD, which He had not commanded them to do. The Berean Standard Bible describes the incident as follows: "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 worship and obedience to God's commands. Aftermath and Significance: Following the death of Abihu and Nadab, Moses instructed Aaron and his remaining sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, not to mourn publicly, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the priestly office (Leviticus 10:6-7). This incident underscored the holiness required of those who serve in God's presence and the severe consequences of deviating from His instructions. Legacy: Abihu's account is a sobering reminder of the importance of reverence and obedience in worship. His actions and their consequences are often cited in discussions about the holiness of God and the responsibilities of those who serve in religious capacities. Despite his tragic end, Abihu's life serves as a critical lesson in the biblical narrative about the nature of divine worship and the expectations placed upon those who lead it. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 6:23And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bore him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 3:2 Strong's Hebrew 30. Abihu -- "he is father," a son of Aaron... Abihu. From 'ab and huw'; father (ie Worshipper) of Him (ie God); Abihu, a son of Aaron -- Abihu. see HEBREW 'ab. see HEBREW huw'. 29, 30. Abihu. 31 . ... /hebrew/30.htm - 6k Library Princely Service. 'The Love of Thine Espousals' The Second Theological Oration. Was Moses "A Literary Fiction"? On the Arian Symbol "Unoriginate. " this Term Afterwards Adopted ... To his Father, when He had Entrusted to Him the Care of the Church ... The Value of this Doctrine The Blood of the Testament The First Book The Pentateuch. Resources Who was Ithamar in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the seventy elders of Israel? | GotQuestions.org Who was Eleazar in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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