International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

(1) Aaron's first-born son (Exo_6:23; Num_3:2; Num_26:60; 1Ch_6:3 (5:29 in Heb); 1Ch_24:1). He was permitted with Moses, Aaron, the 70 elders, and his brother Abihu to ascend Mt. Sinai and behold the God of Israel Exo_24:1, Exo_24:9. He was associated with his father and brothers in the priestly office Exo_28:1. Along with Abihu he was guilty of offering “strange fire,” and both “died before Yahweh” Lev_10:1-2; Num_3:4; Num_26:61. The nature of their offence is far from clear. The word rendered “strange” seems in this connection to mean no more than “unauthorized by the Law” (see זוּר, zūr, in Brown, Driver, and Briggs, Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament, and compare Exo_30:9). The proximity of the prohibition of wine to officiating priests Lev_10:8-9 has given rise to the erroneous suggestion of the Midrash that the offence of the brothers was drunkenness.

(2) A descendant of Jerahmeel 1Ch_2:28, 1Ch_2:30.

(3) A Gibeonite 1Ch_8:30.

(4) Son of Jeroboam I and after him for two years king of Israel 1Ki_14:20; 1Ki_15:25. While Nadab was investing Gibbethon, a Philistine stronghold, Baasha, who probably was an officer in the army, as throne-robbers usually were, conspired against him, slew him and seized the throne 1Ki_15:27-31. With the assassination of Nadab the dynasty of Jeroboam was extirpated, as foretold by the prophet Ahijah 1 Kin 14. This event is typical of the entire history of the Northern Kingdom, characterized by revolutions and counter-revolutions.

Taken from: International Standard Bible Encyclopedia by James Orr, M.A., D.D., General Editor