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Exodus 28:1 - Divinely chosen priestly lineage

Exodus 28:1 - שמות 28:1

Hebrew Text

וְאַתָּה הַקְרֵב אֵלֶיךָ אֶת־אַהֲרֹן אָחִיךָ וְאֶת־בָּנָיו אִתּוֹ מִתּוֹךְ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל לְכַהֲנוֹ־לִי אַהֲרֹן נָדָב וַאֲבִיהוּא אֶלְעָזָר וְאִיתָמָר בְּנֵי אַהֲרֹן׃

English Translation

And take thou to thee Aharon thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Yisra᾽el that he may minister to me in the priest’s office, Aharon, Nadav, and Avihu, El῾azar, and Itamar, the sons of Aharon.

Transliteration

Ve'ata hakrev eilecha et-Aharon achicha ve'et-banav ito mitoch bnei Yisrael lechahano-li Aharon Nadav va'Avihu Elazar ve'Itamar bnei Aharon.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאַתָּ֡ה הַקְרֵ֣ב אֵלֶ֩יךָ֩ אֶת־אַהֲרֹ֨ן אָחִ֜יךָ וְאֶת־בָּנָ֣יו אִתּ֗וֹ מִתּ֛וֹךְ בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לְכַהֲנוֹ־לִ֑י אַהֲרֹ֕ן נָדָ֧ב וַאֲבִיה֛וּא אֶלְעָזָ֥ר וְאִיתָמָ֖ר בְּנֵ֥י אַהֲרֹֽן׃
וְאַתָּ֡ה הַקְרֵ֣ב אֵלֶ֩יךָ֩ אֶת־אַהֲרֹ֨ן אָחִ֜יךָ וְאֶת־בָּנָ֣יו אִתּ֗וֹ מִתּ֛וֹךְ בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לְכַהֲנוֹ־לִ֑י אַהֲרֹ֕ן נָדָ֧ב וַאֲבִיה֛וּא אֶלְעָזָ֥ר וְאִיתָמָ֖ר בְּנֵ֥י אַהֲרֹֽן׃

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Parasha Commentary

Selection of Aharon and His Sons

The verse (Shemot 28:1) commands Moshe to bring Aharon and his sons near to serve as kohanim (priests) for Hashem. Rashi explains that this appointment was a direct instruction from Hashem, emphasizing Aharon's unique role despite Moshe's leadership. The Ramban adds that this selection was a divine act of kindness (chesed), elevating Aharon's family to eternal service in the Mishkan and later the Beit HaMikdash.

Aharon's Sons: Nadav, Avihu, Elazar, and Itamar

The verse lists Aharon's four sons who were chosen for the priesthood. The Talmud (Zevachim 102a) notes that Nadav and Avihu, though righteous, later tragically perished for offering "strange fire" (Vayikra 10:1-2), while Elazar and Itamar continued the priestly lineage. The Midrash (Tanchuma, Shemini 7) teaches that their inclusion here highlights that even those who may later falter are still chosen for sacred roles based on their initial merit.

The Significance of "Take to Thee" (הַקְרֵב אֵלֶיךָ)

The phrasing "take to thee" suggests a personal responsibility for Moshe. The Kli Yakar explains that Moshe was to elevate Aharon with honor, demonstrating that leadership is shared and not a competition. The Sforno adds that this language implies closeness—both physically (bringing them near) and spiritually (preparing them for sanctity).

  • Rashi: Emphasizes that this was a divine appointment, not Moshe's personal choice.
  • Ramban: Views this as an eternal covenant with Aharon's descendants.
  • Kli Yakar: Stresses the importance of unity between Moshe and Aharon in their respective roles.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 102a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the appointment of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood, emphasizing their unique role and the continuity of the priestly line.
📖 Sanhedrin 19b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the qualifications and selection of priests, highlighting the divine command to appoint Aaron and his sons specifically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Aharon chosen to be the Kohen Gadol (High Priest)?
A: Aharon was chosen by Hashem to serve as the Kohen Gadol because of his qualities of peacemaking and humility. The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 3:17) explains that Aharon was known for bringing peace between people, making him worthy of this sacred role. Additionally, Rashi notes that this appointment was a sign of honor for Aharon after Moshe initially served as the leader.
Q: Why are Aharon's sons also mentioned in this verse?
A: Aharon's sons—Nadav, Avihu, Elazar, and Itamar—are mentioned because they were appointed to serve as kohanim (priests) alongside him. This established the hereditary priesthood, where only Aharon's descendants could serve in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later in the Beis HaMikdash (Temple). The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 4:1) explains that this was a permanent commandment for all generations.
Q: What is the significance of the priesthood (Kehunah) in Judaism?
A: The priesthood is a sacred role designated for Aharon’s descendants to perform the service in the Mishkan and Beis HaMikdash, including offering korbanos (sacrifices), blessing the people (Birkas Kohanim), and maintaining holiness. The Talmud (Zevachim 17a) teaches that the kohanim serve as intermediaries between Bnei Yisrael and Hashem in matters of divine service.
Q: Why does the verse say 'from among the children of Yisrael'?
A: Rashi explains that the phrase 'from among the children of Yisrael' emphasizes that the kohanim were chosen from within the nation—not as outsiders, but as part of the Jewish people. This highlights that their role was to serve the community, not to elevate themselves above it. The Midrash (Tanchuma Tzav 2) adds that the kohanim must always remember their connection to the rest of Klal Yisrael.
Q: How does the concept of Kehunah apply today without the Beis HaMikdash?
A: Although the Temple service is not active today, kohanim still retain certain mitzvos and honors, such as being called first to the Torah (aliyah), reciting Birkas Kohanim (the priestly blessing) in some communities, and observing special laws of purity. The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 5:7) writes that the sanctity of the kehunah remains eternal, awaiting the future restoration of the Beis HaMikdash.