Nadab

Overview

• Testament: Old
• Role: Firstborn son of Aaron, priest
• Family: Eldest son of Aaron and Elisheba, grandson of Amram
• Key Books: Exodus, Leviticus

Biography

Nadab was the firstborn son of Aaron and Elisheba. He was consecrated as a priest alongside his father and brothers on the eighth day of the tabernacle dedication (Leviticus 8). On that same day, Nadab and his brother Abihu offered “strange fire” before the Lord — fire that God had not commanded. Fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord (Leviticus 10:1–2). This shocking event established the principle that worship of God must be on His terms alone. Nadab had children (1 Chronicles 6:3), so his lineage continued despite his untimely death.

Key Events

• Tabernacle Consecration — Ordained as priest, then offered unauthorized fire
• Death of Nadab and Abihu — Consumed by divine fire for offering strange fire

Relationships

• Aaron — Father, high priest
• Abihu — Brother, died with him
• Eleazar — Brother, survived
• Ithamar — Brother, survived

Important Verses

• Leviticus 10:1–2 — “And Nadab and Abihu… offered strange fire before the LORD… and there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them.”

Cross-References

• Mentioned in: Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, 1 Chronicles
• NT parallel: 1 Corinthians 10:5–11 warns against testing God as some Israelites did

Notes

Nadab’s name means “he will give” or “he gives.” His death serves as a sobering reminder that God takes worship seriously and demands approach on His terms alone.