Numbers 26:60
Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar were born to Aaron,
And to Aaron
The phrase "And to Aaron" introduces us to the lineage of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel. Aaron, the brother of Moses, was chosen by God to serve as the mediator between God and the Israelites. His role was crucial in the establishment of the priesthood, which was central to the religious life of Israel. The Hebrew name "Aaron" (אַהֲרֹן, Aharon) is thought to mean "mountain of strength" or "enlightened," reflecting his significant role in guiding and leading the people spiritually.

were born
The phrase "were born" indicates the continuation of Aaron's lineage, which is significant in the context of the priestly duties that were to be passed down through his descendants. The Hebrew verb used here, "yalad" (יָלַד), often signifies not just physical birth but the continuation of a legacy or covenant. This highlights the importance of family and heritage in the biblical narrative, especially concerning the priesthood.

Nadab
"Nadab" was the firstborn son of Aaron. His name in Hebrew (נָדָב, Nadav) means "generous" or "noble." Nadab, along with his brother Abihu, was consecrated as a priest. However, their account is a cautionary tale, as they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord and were consumed by fire as a result (Leviticus 10:1-2). This serves as a reminder of the holiness required in approaching God and the serious nature of the priestly office.

Abihu
"Abihu," the second son of Aaron, means "he is my father" in Hebrew (אֲבִיהוּא, Avihu). Like his brother Nadab, Abihu's life and death underscore the importance of obedience and reverence in worship. Their tragic end serves as a warning to all who serve in spiritual leadership, emphasizing the need for humility and adherence to God's commands.

Eleazar
"Eleazar," the third son of Aaron, means "God has helped" in Hebrew (אֶלְעָזָר, Elazar). After the death of Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar took on a more prominent role, eventually succeeding Aaron as high priest. His life exemplifies faithfulness and dedication to God's service. Eleazar's leadership during the transition into the Promised Land highlights the continuity of God's covenant and the importance of righteous leadership.

and Ithamar
"Ithamar," the youngest son of Aaron, means "island of palms" or "land of palms" in Hebrew (אִיתָמָר, Itamar). Ithamar also served as a priest and played a significant role in the administration of the tabernacle. His inclusion in the priestly lineage demonstrates God's provision and the importance of each member's contribution to the community's spiritual life.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He played a crucial role in leading the Israelites out of Egypt and establishing the priesthood.

2. Nadab
The eldest son of Aaron, who was consecrated as a priest but died for offering unauthorized fire before the Lord (Leviticus 10:1-2).

3. Abihu
The second son of Aaron, who, like his brother Nadab, died for offering unauthorized fire before the Lord.

4. Eleazar
The third son of Aaron, who succeeded his father as high priest and played a significant role in the leadership of Israel.

5. Ithamar
The youngest son of Aaron, who also served as a priest and assisted in the duties of the tabernacle.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Obedience in Worship
The deaths of Nadab and Abihu serve as a sobering reminder of the necessity of following God's commands precisely, especially in worship. This calls us to examine our own worship practices and ensure they align with biblical principles.

The Role of the Priesthood
Aaron and his sons were set apart for a special role in leading the people in worship and maintaining the tabernacle. This points to the importance of spiritual leadership and the responsibility of those who serve in ministry today.

Legacy and Continuation
Despite the failures of some, the priestly line continued through Eleazar and Ithamar. This teaches us about God's faithfulness in maintaining His purposes and the importance of raising up future generations to carry on the work of the ministry.

God's Holiness and Justice
The account of Nadab and Abihu underscores God's holiness and the seriousness of approaching Him with reverence. It challenges us to cultivate a deep respect for God's presence and commands.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the account of Nadab and Abihu challenge our understanding of obedience in worship today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our worship practices align with biblical principles?

3. What lessons can we learn from the continuation of the priestly line through Eleazar and Ithamar about God's faithfulness and our role in His plans?

4. How can we apply the principles of spiritual leadership demonstrated by Aaron and his sons in our own lives and communities?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced the holiness of God. How did it impact your approach to worship and obedience?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 10:1-2
This passage describes the event where Nadab and Abihu offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, resulting in their deaths. It highlights the importance of obedience and reverence in worship.

Exodus 28:1
This verse outlines the calling of Aaron and his sons to serve as priests, establishing the priestly lineage and duties.

1 Chronicles 24:1-2
This passage details the division of the priestly duties among the descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar, showing the continuation of the priestly line.
The Second CensusD. Young Numbers 26:1-62
People
Aaron, Abihu, Abiram, Ahiram, Ahiramites, Amram, Ard, Ardites, Areli, Arelites, Arod, Arodites, Ashbel, Ashbelites, Asher, Asriel, Asrielites, Becher, Becherites, Bela, Belaites, Benjamin, Beriah, Beriites, Berites, Caleb, Carmi, Carmites, Dan, Dathan, Eleazar, Eliab, Elon, Elonites, Enoch, Enochites, Er, Eran, Eranites, Eri, Erites, Gad, Gershon, Gershonites, Gileadites, Guni, Gunites, Haggai, Haggi, Haggites, Hamul, Hamulites, Hanoch, Hanochites, Heber, Heberites, Hebronites, Helek, Helekites, Helkites, Hepher, Hepherites, Hezron, Hezronites, Hoglah, Hupham, Huphamites, Iezerites, Imnah, Imnites, Ishvites, Israelites, Issachar, Ithamar, Jachin, Jachinites, Jahleel, Jahleelites, Jahzeel, Jahzeelites, Jamin, Jaminites, Jashub, Jashubites, Jeezer, Jeezerites, Jephunneh, Jesui, Jesuites, Jezer, Jezerites, Jimna, Jimnah, Jimnites, Jishvites, Jochebed, Joseph, Joshua, Kohath, Kohathites, Korah, Korahites, Korathites, Levi, Levites, Libnites, Machir, Machirites, Mahlah, Mahlites, Malchiel, Malchielites, Manasseh, Merari, Merarites, Milcah, Miriam, Moses, Mushites, Naaman, Naamites, Nadab, Naphtali, Nemuel, Nemuelites, Noah, Nun, Onan, Ozni, Oznites, Pallu, Palluites, Perez, Perezites, Phallu, Phalluites, Pharez, Pua, Puah, Punites, Reuben, Reubenites, Sarah, Sardites, Saul, Saulites, Serah, Sered, Seredites, Shaul, Shaulites, Shechemites, Shelah, Shelanites, Shemida, Shemidaites, Shillem, Shillemites, Shimron, Shimronites, Shuham, Shuhamites, Shuni, Shunites, Shupham, Shuphamites, Shuthelah, Shuthelahites, Simeon, Simeonites, Tahan, Tahanites, Tirzah, Tola, Tolaites, Zarhites, Zebulun, Zebulunites, Zelophehad, Zephon, Zephonites, Zerah, Zerahites
Places
Canaan, Egypt, Jericho, Jordan River, Moab, Peor, Sinai
Topics
Aaron, Aaron's, Abihu, Abi'hu, Born, Eleazar, Elea'zar, Ithamar, Ith'amar, Nadab, Sons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 26:1-61

     5671   clan

Numbers 26:1-62

     7230   genealogies

Numbers 26:1-65

     5249   census

Numbers 26:57-62

     7266   tribes of Israel

Library
The Census of Israel
Thirty-eight years had passed away since the first numbering at Sinai, and the people had come to the borders of the Promised Land; for they were in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho. The time had come for another census. The wisdom which commanded the counting of Israel at the beginning of the wilderness journey, also determined to count them at the end of it. This would show that he did not value them less than in former years; it would afford proof that his word of judgment had been fulfilled
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

The Training of a Statesman.
MOSES IN EGYPT AND THE WILDERNESS.--EX. 1:1; 7:5. Parallel Readings. Goodnow, F. J., Comparative Administrative Law. Hist. Bible I, 151-69. And he went out on the following day and saw two men of the Hebrews striving together; and he said to the one who was doing the wrong, Why do you smite your fellow-workman? But he replied, Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian? Then Moses was afraid and said, Surely the thing is known. When, therefore,
Charles Foster Kent—The Making of a Nation

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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