Topical Bible: Christian Minister: Nadab and Abihu

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Introduction:
Nadab and Abihu were the eldest sons of Aaron, the brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. Their account is a significant account in the Old Testament, illustrating the importance of obedience to God's commands, particularly in matters of worship and priestly duties. The narrative of Nadab and Abihu is primarily found in the Book of Leviticus.

Biblical Account:
Nadab and Abihu are introduced in the context of the consecration of the priesthood. As sons of Aaron, they were part of the priestly lineage and were set apart for service in the tabernacle. Their account is most notably recounted in Leviticus 10:1-2:

"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)

The Sin of Nadab and Abihu:
The specific sin of Nadab and Abihu was offering "unauthorized fire" before the Lord. This act was a direct violation of God's instructions regarding the proper way to conduct sacrifices and offerings. The exact nature of their transgression is not detailed, but it is clear that they acted presumptuously and without regard for the sanctity of their priestly office.

Theological Implications:
The incident of Nadab and Abihu underscores the holiness of God and the necessity for His people, especially those in positions of spiritual leadership, to adhere strictly to His commands. Their actions serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of approaching God with irreverence or presumption. The severity of their punishment highlights the seriousness with which God views the purity and order of worship.

Priestly Regulations:
Following the death of Nadab and Abihu, God provided further instructions to Aaron and his remaining sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between the holy and the common, and between the clean and the unclean (Leviticus 10:10). This incident led to a reinforcement of the regulations governing priestly conduct and the proper way to approach God in worship.

Legacy and Lessons:
The account of Nadab and Abihu is a sobering reminder of the responsibility that comes with spiritual leadership. It teaches that those who serve in ministry must do so with a deep respect for God's holiness and a commitment to His commands. Their narrative is often cited in discussions about the nature of worship, the role of the priesthood, and the consequences of disobedience.

References in Scripture:
Nadab and Abihu are mentioned in several other passages, including Exodus 24:1, where they are called to accompany Moses on the mountain, and Numbers 3:4 and 26:61, which recount their deaths as a warning to future generations of priests.

Conclusion:
The account of Nadab and Abihu serves as a powerful illustration of the need for reverence and obedience in the worship of God. Their account is a testament to the seriousness with which God regards His instructions and the sacred duties of those who serve Him.

Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 10:1,2
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'
... 9. Then went up Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu ... might end an audience with his minister,
by bidding ... prophesied the deepest joys of Christian experience, which ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the love of thine espousals.htm

Of the Priesthood of Aaron.
... we shall first of all stand in need of one that may officiate for us, and may minister
to the ... He had at that time four sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 of the priesthood.htm

The Third Commandment
... from the Lord to consume them, as it did Nadab and Abihu ... I may pray,' says a Christian,
but I shall be never ... The lips of a profane, drunken minister ought to be ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 3 the third commandment.htm

The Value of this Doctrine
... full of consolation and imparts great peace to the Christian. ... peace." Look at the
circumstances: "And Nadab and Abihu ... Him that they are made to minister to our ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter twelve the value of.htm

Christ the Only Rest for the Weary and Heavy-Laden
... they may obtain rest; they fly to their works, they go to a minister, and he ... it would
be just for him to serve them, as he did Nadab and Abihu, destroy them ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/christ the only rest for.htm

A Case of Conscience Resolved
... in the gospel, and to do you what Christian service I can ... I do not believe they should
minister to God in prayer ... of prayer, you know what it cost Nadab and Abihu ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a case of conscience resolved.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree;
... and hence it is, that a Christian's fruits are ... time, every season, every sermon,
every minister, affliction, judgment ... Thus he cut down Nadab and Abihu, when he ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... COURTEOUS CHRISTIAN READER,. ... compared with the gospel, may, even now, when themselves,
as to what they once enjoined on others, are dead, may minister light to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... The name of God is therefore the object of a Christian's fear. ... (1.) Nadab and Abihu
were burned to death with fire from heaven, because they attempted to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm