I. Eldest son of Aaron (Ex. 6:23; 1 Chr. 24:1ff.).
He went up to Sinai with Aaron, Abihu, and the 70 elders (Ex. 24:1ff. or 9ff.). Consecrated as priest (ibid. 28:1), he was anointed along with Aaron and his brothers (Lev. 7:2-36). A careless act brought death to him and his brother Abihu: they used profane fire in their censers instead of taking it from the sacred fire that burned continually (ibid. 10:1-5; Num. 3:2ff.; 26:60ff.).
II. King of Israel, son and successor of Jeroboam (1 Kgs. 14:20).
He reigned for two years: 909-908 (ibid. 15:25). He pursued his father’s policy of distancing the northern tribes from Judah and the Temple, deepening the irreparable division between the two kingdoms. While besieging Gibbethon, he was killed by Baasha, an officer in his army, who then usurped the throne (ibid. 15:26ff.). Thus was fulfilled the prophecy of Ahijah of Shiloh (ibid. 14:10).
III. Eldest son of Shimei, of the tribe of Judah (1 Chr. 2:28, 30).
IV. Son of Abi-gabon, of the tribe of Benjamin (ibid. 8:30; 9:36).