Who is…
Abihu

Meaning: father of Him; i.e., “worshipper of God

This is the name of the 2nd of the sons of Aaron (Exodus 6:23; Numbers 3:2; 26:60; 1 Chronicles 6:3).

Along with his 3 brothers, he was consecrated to the priest’s office (Exodus 28:1).

With his father and elder brother he accompanied the 70 elders part of the way up the Mount Sinai with Moses (Exodus 24:1; 24:9).

On one occasion, he and his brother Nadab offered incense in their censers filled with “strange” (i.e., common) fire, that is, not with fire taken from the great brazen altar (Leviticus 6:9, etc.), and for this offense they were struck dead by God, and were taken out and buried outside the camp (Leviticus 10:1-11; compare Numbers 3:4; 26:61; 1 Chronicles 24:2).

It is probable that when they committed this offense they were intoxicated, for immediately after is given the law prohibiting the use of wine or strong drink to the priests.

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Article Version: August 8, 2019