When The Anointed Ones Were Consumed: The Tragic Story of Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, High Priest of YisraÉL

"And these are the names of the sons of Aaron; Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests which were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office. And Nadab and Abihu died before The Eternal, when they offered strange fire before The Eternal, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest's office in the sight of Aaron their father."

-Bmidbar (Numbers) 3:2-4

Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, were consecrated as Khohaniym after their father, Aharon/Aaron the Khohén Gadol (High Priest). To be anointed with the sacred oil by Mosheh meant that they were set apart by The Eternal for this specific avodah/service in HIS miqdash (tabernacle). Although Khohén Aharon's four sons were also of the Lewiyim/Levites, the particular avodah for which they were appointed for was exclusively theirs...as the Khohaniym were a caste group only through the line of Aharon.

Alongside kings and prophets of The Eternal as mshiyakiym/anointed ones, they held an elevated position amongst the other families of YisraÉL. They were to always be recognized, acknowledged, and above all else respected, no matter where they were. They were VIPs of YisraÉL. They were feared for their ability to wield the might of The Almighty in both word and deed.

But something happened. Khohén Aharon's first born sons thought that being anointed gave them free reign to do whatever they desired. They thought they had no boundaries. Nadab, whose name is similar to the term we use to refer to "freewill offerings" was a little too free and a little too willing to do more than he was commanded, so much so that his actions were not only evidence of disobedience, but a transgression of grave consequences.

Abihu, whose name is translated as "he is my father" thought that because his father was the Khohén Gadol, he was entitled to more than what was given to him. "He is my father" was not a genuine statement of loyalty to the office of Khohén Aharon, but a disclaimer for the rebellion he would lead against that office.

The two together transgressed in a few ways. Firstly, in the heart. They thought they were in the right to do outside of what was appointed them to do. They crossed boundaries that were in fact set up for their own protection. Secondly, technically,, they entered into a chamber that they were not allowed into at that point in time. They were not given that portion. Finally, from the statute identified in the text as a result of the incident we see that they may have entered into the space under the influence of some substance.

It's a lesson of heart work just as much as it's a lesson of humility and obedience. In their heart they turned their nose up at their own assignments and carried out work that had not been allocated to them. They were not concerned with how their actions would impact the entire familiy of YisraÉL. They did not fear Elohiym enough to honor Elohiym and take care for HIS People. 

They were not humble. Rather, They felt entitled and thought they would help themselves to what did not belong to them. They did not think to serve their brethren.

In the end their disobedience cost them. They were consumed by the very fire they created , but miraculously the set apart garments they wore actually remained in tact and along with the censors they used were gathered, preserved, and stores as a relic and symbol of how The Eternal will break forth on anyone that breaks forth bounds HE has set up for those serving HIS people .

Let this be a lesson to those in leadership. We must start in righteousness and end in righteousness, especially those of us at elevated positions. We should never feel comfortable taking advantage of our roles in leadership. We must eemain humble and steadfast to the way that has been directed from The Eternal or else run the risk of our own zeal consuming us. An urgency to do things before the time has come can lead us to break boundaries and provoke YAH's wrath. We see this in communities too often. Leaders in YisraÉL are rightfully raised up amongst the people because of their zeal for righteousness. Unfortunately, at some point, they lose their way and their desire for earthly pleasures lead to corruption and transgression. Patience is key and a continual long lasting fear of YAH YisraÉL is necessary for keeping wrath from breaking forth.

We understand that the experience of Nadab and Abihu was tragic. We also understand that through their missteps we should gain more clarity on the role of our khohaniym and the general importance for us to be mindful of how, where, and when we approach The Creator. Lets not forgrt that more responsibility comes with more accountability! May The Most High be praised and feared always!

Peace be to you. Peace be to your house. And peace be unto all that is yours!

Bn Shmû ÉL is a loyal son, a devout believer in Yah YisraÉL, founder of HaDBR Media, Chief Editor at Bn Shmû ÉL  Publishing House, and author of The Land of Milk and Honey: The Heart of the World. https://www.bn-shmu-el.com/shop .