Numbers 26:61
And Nadab and Abihu died, when they offered strange fire before the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֥מָת
died
H4191
וַיָּ֥מָת
died
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
1 of 8
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
בְּהַקְרִיבָ֥ם
when they offered
H7126
בְּהַקְרִיבָ֥ם
when they offered
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
4 of 8
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
זָרָ֖ה
strange
H2114
זָרָ֖ה
strange
Strong's:
H2114
Word #:
6 of 8
to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery
Historical Context
Nadab and Abihu died on the eighth day of tabernacle dedication (Leviticus 9-10), possibly drunk (Leviticus 10:9 prohibits priestly drinking immediately after). Their deaths occurred 40 years before this census, yet the record persists. God doesn't let presumptuous worship fade from memory—it remains a perpetual warning.
Questions for Reflection
- What modern forms of 'strange fire' (unauthorized worship innovation) might seem sincere but violate God's revealed will?
- Why does God interrupt a census of the living to memorialize those who died in judgment? What does this teach about warning the next generation?
- How does the immediacy of Nadab and Abihu's judgment demonstrate that privilege (being Aaron's sons) doesn't protect against consequences of disobedience?
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Analysis & Commentary
And Nadab and Abihu died, when they offered strange fire before the LORD (אֵשׁ זָרָה, esh zarah)—unauthorized fire, perhaps representing worship innovations God didn't command. Leviticus 10:1-2 records their immediate death: "there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them." In a census of the living, the dead interrupt—a memorial warning that presumption in worship brings judgment.
The Hebrew זָרָה (zarah) means "strange/foreign/unauthorized." The same word describes foreign women who led Solomon astray. Strange fire parallels strange teachings (Hebrews 13:9)—innovations that seem worshipful but contradict God's revealed pattern. Sincerity doesn't sanctify disobedience; Nadab and Abihu were Aaron's sons, yet burned.