Who Was Abihu in the Bible?

Abihu, a significant figure in the Old Testament, was a priest from the tribe of Levi, the son of Aaron and Elisheba, and the brother of Nadab, Eleazar, and Ithamar. His name in Hebrew, אֲבִיהוּא (Avihu), means “He is my father.” Abihu is first mentioned in Exodus 6:23. This article will delve into his life, his role as a priest, and the lessons modern Christians can learn from his story.

Abihu’s Role and Actions

Family and Priestly Duties

Abihu’s story is woven throughout various passages in the Bible:

• Exodus 6:23 – This verse introduces Abihu as the son of Aaron and Elisheba, from the tribe of Levi.
• Exodus 24:1, 9-11 – Abihu, along with Aaron, Nadab, and seventy elders of Israel, went up the mountain and saw the God of Israel, witnessing His glory.
• Exodus 28:1 – God appointed Abihu and his brothers to serve as priests and minister before Him.
• Leviticus 10:1-2 – This crucial passage recounts how Abihu and Nadab offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, resulting in their deaths.
• Numbers 3:2-4; 26:60-61 – These passages detail Abihu’s lineage and family connections within the tribe of Levi.
• 1 Chronicles 6:3; 24:1-2 – Abihu is listed in the genealogy of the Levites and the organization of the priests according to the divisions set by David.

The Incident of Unauthorized Fire

Abihu’s most notable story is found in Leviticus 10:1-2, where he and his brother Nadab offered “unauthorized fire” (also referred to as “strange fire”) before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. The Hebrew term for unauthorized fire is “אֵשׁ זָרָה” (esh zarah). As a result, fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, leading to their immediate deaths.

Lessons for the Modern Christian

Obedience to God’s Commands

Abihu’s story underscores the importance of strict obedience to God’s commands. Modern Christians can learn that approaching God requires reverence and adherence to His instructions. This incident illustrates that God’s holiness demands respect and that deviation from His prescribed way of worship can have serious consequences.

The Holiness of God

Abihu’s story also highlights the holiness of God. The Bible frequently describes God as holy and deserving of honor and respect. In the modern context, Christians are reminded that their worship and service to God should be carried out with a deep sense of respect for His holiness.

Connection to a Loving God

God’s Expectations

God’s actions towards Abihu might seem harsh, but they emphasize His expectations for His people to follow His ways faithfully. For modern believers, this serves as a reminder that God’s love is also accompanied by His holiness and justice. His expectations are not arbitrary but are meant to lead His people into a closer, more reverent relationship with Him.

Learning from Abihu’s Mistake

By learning from Abihu’s mistake, Christians today can better appreciate the grace offered through Jesus Christ. Under the New Covenant, while God’s holiness remains unchanged, the means of approaching Him have been provided through the sacrifice of Jesus.

Connection to Jesus Christ

Fulfillment of the Law

Jesus Christ’s life and sacrifice fulfilled the law that Abihu was under. Where Abihu failed in his priestly duties, Jesus succeeded perfectly. Hebrews 4:14-16 portrays Jesus as the great high priest who empathizes with our weaknesses and provides a way for us to approach God with confidence.

A New Way to Worship

John 4:24 teaches that true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. Through Jesus, Christians are given a new way to worship that transcends the old rituals and laws. Abihu’s story contrasts with the grace and truth revealed in Jesus Christ, highlighting the shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant.

Conclusion

Abihu’s story is a sobering reminder of the importance of reverence and obedience in our relationship with God. His life and tragic end teach modern Christians about the seriousness of approaching God with respect and following His commands faithfully. By understanding Abihu’s story and its implications, believers can deepen their appreciation for God’s holiness and the grace provided through Jesus Christ, fostering a closer, more reverent relationship with Him.