Abihu (whose name means “my father is he” or “my father is God”) was a central, yet ultimately tragic, figure in the early priesthood of Israel. He was the second of the four sons of Aaron, the first High Priest, and his wife Elisheba.
The High Privilege of Abihu
Before his untimely end, Abihu enjoyed a position of unparalleled closeness to God.
The Priestly Anointing
Along with his father and three brothers, Abihu was specially chosen and consecrated by God to serve as a priest.
“These are the names of the sons of Aaron; Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests which were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest’s office.” (Numbers 3:2-3, KJV)
The Sight of God
Abihu was among the select few who were permitted to ascend Mount Sinai with Moses, Aaron, and seventy elders, where they were given a unique vision of the God of Israel and His glory.
“Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel: And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.” (Exodus 24:9-10, KJV)
The Sin and Judgment of Abihu
Abihu’s ministry was short-lived, ending in a dramatic act of divine judgment immediately after the consecration of the Tabernacle and the priests.
The Offering of “Strange Fire”
Abihu and his older brother, Nadab, were judged for failing to follow the precise instructions God had given for worship.
“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.” (Leviticus 10:1, KJV)
The nature of the “strange fire” (esh zarah in Hebrew) is debated among commentators, but it universally signifies an unauthorized or profane act of worship. The fire may have been “strange” because:
- It was not taken from the designated brazen altar of burnt offering, which was the holy source of fire.
- The ritual was performed at the wrong time or in the wrong manner, as a self-willed act rather than an obedient one.
- The immediate prohibition on consuming wine or strong drink for priests given immediately after this event (Leviticus 10:9) suggests they may have been in a state of intoxication when they performed their duties.
The Consuming Fire
The consequence for this violation of God’s command regarding holy service was immediate and final.
“And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.” (Leviticus 10:2, KJV)
Their swift judgment served as a solemn lesson to the newly ordained priesthood, emphasizing the absolute holiness of God and the necessity of strict obedience in approaching Him. Moses declared the core principle to Aaron:
“Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.” (Leviticus 10:3, KJV)
Because of their death, Nadab and Abihu “had no children” (Numbers 3:4), and their remaining brothers, Eleazar and Ithamar, took their places to execute the priest’s office.