abihu Summary and Overview

father of Him; i.e., "worshipper of God", the second of the sons of Aaron (Ex. 6:23; Num. 3:2; 26:60; 1 Chr. 6:3). Along with his three brothers he was consecrated to the priest's office (Ex. 28:1). With his father and elder brother he accompanied the seventy elders part of the way up the mount with Moses (Ex. 24:1,9). On one occasion he and Nadab his brother offered incense in their censers filled with "strange" (i.e., common) fire, i.e., not with fire taken from the great brazen altar (Lev. 6:9, etc.), and for this offence they were struck dead, and were taken out and buried without the camp (Lev. 10:1-11; compare Num. 3:4; 26:61; 1 Chr. 24:2). It is probable that when they committed this offence they were intoxicated, for immediately after is given the law prohibiting the use of wine or strong drink to the priests.

(he (God) is my father), the second son, #Nu 3:2| of Aaron by Elisheba. #Ex 6:23| Being, together with his elder brother Nadab, guilty of offering strange fire to the lord, he was consumed by fire from heaven. #Le 10:1,2|

ABI'HU (whose father is He, i. e. God), the second son of Aaron, who with his elder brother, Nadab. his father, and 70 of the elders of Israel, went upon Mount Sinai with Moses. Ex 6:23; Ex 28:1. He was afterward set apart by God, with his brothers, Nadab, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to the priesthood. Soon after they entered on their sacred duties. Nadab and Abihu violated God's commands respecting the manner of offering incense, and were instantly consumed. Lev 10:1, Lev 10:2. This event happened in the wilderness of Sinai. The nature of their offence is very obvious; they used common fire instead of the fire which burnt continually upon the altar of burnt-offering, and some suppose they were drawn into this presumptuous sin by the too free use of wine. Their father and brothers were forbidden to make public mourning for them.

Second son of Aaron by Elisheba (Exodus 6:23; Numbers 3:2). With Aaron, Nadab, and the 70 elders, he accompanied Moses up Sinai to a limited distance (Exodus 24:1). On his death by fire from heaven, in punishment for offering strange fire, (See AARON above. A standing example of that divine wrath which shall consume all who offer God devotion kindled at any other save the one Altar and Offering of Calvary, whereby "He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified."