The Hebrew name Nâdâb, represented by H5070, means liberal and is the name of four Israelites mentioned in scripture. It appears 20 times across 20 unique verses. While the name appears in different genealogies, it is most prominently associated with two key figures: the firstborn son of Aaron the priest, and a king of Israel who was the son of Jeroboam.
In the biblical narrative, H5070 is central to one of the most sobering accounts in the Pentateuch. Nadab, as the firstborn H1060 son of Aaron, was consecrated to minister... in the priest's office H3547 (Numbers 3:2, Exodus 28:1). He was privileged to ascend the mountain with Moses and the elders of Israel Exodus 24:9. However, he and his brother Abihu offered strange H2114 fire H784 before the LORD H3068, an act which God had not commanded Leviticus 10:1. Consequently, they both died H4191 before the LORD Numbers 26:61. Another Nadab, the son of King Jeroboam, reigned over Israel for two years before he was assassinated by Baasha while besieging Gibbethon (1 Kings 15:25, 1 Kings 15:27).
Several related words are crucial for understanding the context of Nadab, son of Aaron:
- H175 ʼAhărôwn (Aharon, the brother of Moses): Nadab's identity is defined by his father, Aaron. He was one of Aaron's sons H1121 chosen for the priesthood Exodus 28:1 and died before his father H1 1 Chronicles 24:2.
- H30 ʼĂbîyhûwʼ (father (i.e. worshipper) of Him (i.e. God); Abihu, a son of Aaron): Abihu is Nadab's inseparable partner in both calling and transgression. They are named together when called to serve Exodus 6:23, when they sinned Leviticus 10:1, and when their deaths are recorded Numbers 3:4.
- H2114 zûwr (to turn aside... strange, profane): This word defines the core of their sin. They offered strange fire, a profane and unauthorized form of worship that was a departure from God's commands Leviticus 10:1.
- H4191 mûwth (to die... kill): This term marks the immediate and severe divine judgment for their act of disobedience. Scripture repeatedly states that Nadab and Abihu died H4191 before the LORD (Numbers 3:4, Numbers 26:61).
- H3547 kâhan (to officiate as a priest): This describes the sacred office Nadab was given. Because he died without children, his brothers Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest's office H3547, ensuring the continuation of the Aaronic line 1 Chronicles 24:2.
The theological weight of H5070, particularly through the story of Aaron's son, is significant.
- The Holiness of God: The account demonstrates the absolute holiness of the LORD H3068 and the necessity of approaching Him on His terms. Offering strange H2114 fire H784 was a violation of this holiness, resulting in immediate judgment Leviticus 10:1.
- Obedience over Initiative: Nadab's story is a stark warning against unauthorized and self-willed worship. His action, though seemingly zealous, was disobedient because it was something the LORD "commanded them not" Leviticus 10:1, highlighting that obedience is paramount.
- Responsibility of Leadership: As the firstborn H1060 son of the high priest, Nadab was in a position of immense spiritual privilege and responsibility Numbers 3:2. His fall underscores the principle that greater privilege brings greater accountability.
In summary, H5070 is more than just a name in a king list or genealogy. The person of Nadab, son of Aaron, serves as a powerful and permanent biblical lesson on the nature of true worship. His story illustrates the grave consequences of profaning the sacred and reminds believers in every generation that God is to be worshiped not according to human invention but according to His divine command.
TRV