Topical Encyclopedia Nadab, the son of Jeroboam, was the second king of the northern kingdom of Israel. His reign is recorded in the First Book of Kings, where he is depicted as continuing the sinful practices initiated by his father, Jeroboam I. Nadab's rule is characterized by idolatry and disobedience to the commandments of the LORD, which ultimately led to his downfall.Background and Ascension to the Throne Nadab was the son of Jeroboam I, the first king of the divided northern kingdom of Israel. Jeroboam had been a servant of Solomon and was appointed by God to rule over the ten tribes of Israel after the kingdom was divided due to Solomon's idolatry (1 Kings 11:31-35). Jeroboam established a separate religious system in the northern kingdom, setting up golden calves in Bethel and Dan to prevent the Israelites from returning to Jerusalem to worship (1 Kings 12:28-30). Upon Jeroboam's death, Nadab ascended to the throne in the second year of Asa, king of Judah (1 Kings 15:25). His reign, however, was short-lived, lasting only two years. Reign and Religious Practices Nadab continued in the ways of his father, perpetuating the idolatrous practices that had been established. The Berean Standard Bible states, "And he did evil in the sight of the LORD and walked in the way of his father and in his sin, which he had caused Israel to commit" (1 Kings 15:26). This verse highlights Nadab's failure to lead the nation back to the worship of the one true God, instead maintaining the sinful practices that had become entrenched in the northern kingdom. Downfall and Assassination Nadab's reign came to an abrupt end when he was assassinated by Baasha, a man from the tribe of Issachar. While Nadab was besieging the Philistine town of Gibbethon, Baasha conspired against him and killed him (1 Kings 15:27-28). This act of treachery fulfilled the prophecy given by the prophet Ahijah, who had foretold the destruction of Jeroboam's house due to his idolatry and disobedience (1 Kings 14:10-11). Following Nadab's assassination, Baasha not only took the throne but also exterminated the entire house of Jeroboam, leaving no survivors. This was in accordance with the divine judgment pronounced against Jeroboam's lineage (1 Kings 15:29). Legacy Nadab's brief and tumultuous reign is a testament to the consequences of turning away from the LORD and leading a nation into idolatry. His failure to repent and return to the covenantal faithfulness required by God resulted in the swift end of his dynasty. Nadab's account serves as a somber reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commandments and the dangers of following in the sinful footsteps of one's predecessors. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 14:20And the days which Jeroboam reigned were two and twenty years: and he slept with his fathers, and Nadab his son reigned in his stead. Nave's Topical Index Library Appendices The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Introduction to Oration ii. Resources Who was King Nadab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho were Nadab and Abihu? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of the strange fire in Leviticus 10:1? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Nadab: Great-Grandson of Jerahmeel Nadab: Son and Successor of Jeroboam Nadab: Son and Successor of Jeroboam: His Wicked Reign; Murdered by Baasha Nadab: Son of Aaron: Called to Mount Sinai With Moses and Aaron to Worship Nadab: Son of Aaron: His Father and Brothers Forbidden to Mourn Nadab: Son of Aaron: Offers "Strange" (Unauthorized) Fire to God, and is Destroyed Nadab: Son of Aaron: Set Apart to Priesthood Related Terms |