SPECIAL TOPIC: AARON'S SON

SPECIAL TOPIC: AARON’S SON

Aaron, being the first High Priest of Israel, was to be succeeded by his oldest
son. His sons are listed in Exod. 6:23.

1. Nadab – BDB 621, from Arabic root, “capable” or “fine,” KB 671

2. Abihu – BDB 4, KB 4, “he is father”

3. Eleazar – BDB 46, “God has helped”

4. Ithamar – BDB 16, KB 44, meaning unknown

The first two were part of a group of leaders who worshiped YHWH on Mt. Sinai
“at a distance” (cf. Exod. 24:1). Later they were involved in either

1. drunkenness at the altar (cf. Lev. 10:8-11)

2. flagrant violations of YHWH’s altar procedures (cf. Lev. 10:1)

They were killed by YHWH (cf. Lev. 10:2). Aaron and his family were commanded by
Moses not to grieve (cf. Lev. 10:6-7). They were replaced by Eleazar (cf. Num.
3:4; 20:25-29).