Bible Figure

Nadab

Male • Old Testament
High Priest of Israel, known for getting killed by God
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Nadab was Aaron's eldest son and an ordained priest who died with his brother Abihu after offering unauthorized fire before the Lord.
Nadab

Biography

Nadab and Abihu accompanied Moses, Aaron, and Israel's elders partway up Sinai and participated in a remarkable covenant encounter with God. They were later consecrated as priests with Aaron and their brothers. Leviticus 10 recounts that Nadab and Abihu offered unauthorized or strange fire before the Lord, contrary to His command, and fire came from the Lord and consumed them. They died without sons, leaving Eleazar and Ithamar to continue the priestly line.

Biblical Significance

Nadab's death emphasizes the holiness of God and the seriousness of priestly obedience. Privileged access to sacred service did not exempt Aaron's sons from accountability for approaching God contrary to His command.