Topical Bible: Judgments: Nadab and Abihu

◄ Judgments: Nadab and Abihu ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction:
Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, are notable figures in the Old Testament due to the severe judgment they faced for their actions. Their account is primarily found in the Book of Leviticus and serves as a sobering reminder of the holiness required in the service of God.

Biblical Account:
The account of Nadab and Abihu is recorded in Leviticus 10:1-2. As priests, they were given the responsibility to serve in the tabernacle, a role that required strict adherence to God's commands. However, they failed to honor the sanctity of their office.

The Sin of Nadab and Abihu:
Leviticus 10:1 states, "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." The term "unauthorized fire" indicates that they acted presumptuously, deviating from the specific instructions given by God regarding the offering of incense. This act of disobedience was not merely a procedural error but a direct violation of divine command, reflecting a lack of reverence for God's holiness.

The Judgment:
The consequence of their actions was immediate and severe. Leviticus 10:2 records, "So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD." This divine judgment underscores the seriousness with which God views the sanctity of worship and the obedience of those who serve Him.

Theological Implications:
The judgment of Nadab and Abihu highlights several key theological themes:

1. Holiness of God: The incident underscores the absolute holiness of God and the requirement for those who approach Him to do so with reverence and obedience. The priests were to be examples of holiness, and any deviation from God's commands was intolerable.

2. Obedience to Divine Command: The narrative emphasizes the importance of adhering strictly to God's instructions. The priests were not at liberty to innovate or alter the prescribed forms of worship. This serves as a warning against the dangers of presumption and the necessity of obedience in worship.

3. The Role of the Priesthood: As members of the priesthood, Nadab and Abihu were representatives of the people before God. Their failure to uphold the sanctity of their office had immediate and dire consequences, illustrating the high standards expected of spiritual leaders.

4. God's Justice and Mercy: While the judgment was severe, it was also just. It served as a deterrent to prevent further desecration of the sacred duties. At the same time, God's continued provision for the priesthood and the people of Israel reflects His mercy and commitment to His covenant.

Historical and Cultural Context:
In the ancient Near Eastern context, the role of priests was central to religious life. The tabernacle was the focal point of Israelite worship, and the priests were mediators between God and the people. The strict regulations surrounding their duties were intended to maintain the purity and sanctity of worship, reflecting the distinctiveness of Israel's relationship with Yahweh compared to the surrounding nations.

Conclusion:
The account of Nadab and Abihu serves as a powerful reminder of the holiness of God and the seriousness with which He regards worship and obedience. Their account is a cautionary tale for all who seek to serve God, emphasizing the need for reverence, obedience, and a deep respect for the divine commands.

Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 10:1-3
And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

'The Love of Thine Espousals'
... said unto Moses, Come up unto the Lord, thou, and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy ...
the people all the words of the Lord, and all the judgments: and all ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the love of thine espousals.htm

Strange Fire
... worship to mourn the deaths of its assailants would have seemed to indicate their
murmuring at God's judgments, and might ... Nadab's and Abihu's stark corpses ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/strange fire.htm

Brief Directions How to Read the Holy Scriptures once Every Year ...
... xx.7.) And when he devoured with a sudden fire Nadab and Abihu, for offering ... be
sanctified on them, by confounding them with my just judgments, which their ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/brief directions how to read.htm

Christ the Only Rest for the Weary and Heavy-Laden
... it would be just for him to serve them, as he did Nadab and Abihu, destroy them ... you
see the terrors of the law, and are afraid of his judgments; then you ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/christ the only rest for.htm

The Blood of the Testament
... said unto Moses, Come up unto the LORD, thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy ...
the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 58 1912/the blood of the testament.htm

Was Moses "A Literary Fiction"?
... has given an account of God's call to him, to Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and the ... and last
verse, namely, that "these are the commandments and the judgments which the ...
/.../iii was moses a literary.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree;
... How many times did Moses by prayer turn away God's judgments from even Pharaoh himself! ...
Thus he cut down Nadab and Abihu, when he burned them up with fire ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm

Introduction to Oration ii.
Lectures of S. Cyril of Jerusalem. <. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to oration ii.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... 4. The judgments that sometimes God hath executed upon men for their want of godly
fear, while they have been in his ... (1.) Nadab and Abihu were burned to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm