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Leviticus 10:1 - Unauthorized fire's fatal consequence

Leviticus 10:1 - ויקרא 10:1

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקְחוּ בְנֵי־אַהֲרֹן נָדָב וַאֲבִיהוּא אִישׁ מַחְתָּתוֹ וַיִּתְּנוּ בָהֵן אֵשׁ וַיָּשִׂימוּ עָלֶיהָ קְטֹרֶת וַיַּקְרִבוּ לִפְנֵי יְהוָה אֵשׁ זָרָה אֲשֶׁר לֹא צִוָּה אֹתָם׃

English Translation

And Nadav and Avihu, the sons of Aharon, took each of them his censer, and put fire in it, and put incense on it, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which He commanded them not.

Transliteration

Vayikchu venei-Aharon Nadav va'Avihu ish machtato vayitnu vahen esh vayasimu aleha ketoret vayakrivu lifnei Adonai esh zara asher lo tziva otam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקְח֣וּ בְנֵֽי־אַ֠הֲרֹ֠ן נָדָ֨ב וַאֲבִיה֜וּא אִ֣ישׁ מַחְתָּת֗וֹ וַיִּתְּנ֤וּ בָהֵן֙ אֵ֔שׁ וַיָּשִׂ֥ימוּ עָלֶ֖יהָ קְטֹ֑רֶת וַיַּקְרִ֜יבוּ לִפְנֵ֤י יְהֹוָה֙ אֵ֣שׁ זָרָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֧ר לֹ֦א צִוָּ֖ה אֹתָֽם׃
וַיִּקְח֣וּ בְנֵֽי־אַ֠הֲרֹ֠ן נָדָ֨ב וַאֲבִיה֜וּא אִ֣ישׁ מַחְתָּת֗וֹ וַיִּתְּנ֤וּ בָהֵן֙ אֵ֔שׁ וַיָּשִׂ֥ימוּ עָלֶ֖יהָ קְטֹ֑רֶת וַיַּקְרִ֜יבוּ לִפְנֵ֤י יְהֹוָה֙ אֵ֣שׁ זָרָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֧ר לֹ֦א צִוָּ֖ה אֹתָֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Incident of Nadav and Avihu

The verse describes the tragic event in which Nadav and Avihu, the sons of Aharon, brought an unauthorized offering of incense before Hashem, resulting in their deaths (Vayikra 10:1-2). This act is referred to as offering eish zarah ("strange fire")—a fire that was not commanded by Hashem.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (on Vayikra 10:1) explains that Nadav and Avihu erred by bringing an offering without being commanded to do so. He cites the phrase "asher lo tzivah osam" ("which He commanded them not") as the key issue—they acted on their own initiative rather than following divine instruction. Rashi further notes that they may have entered the Kodesh HaKodashim (Holy of Holies) without authorization, compounding their transgression.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:45), the Rambam suggests that Nadav and Avihu acted out of excessive enthusiasm, allowing their passion to override halachic boundaries. Their mistake was not in their intent but in their failure to adhere to the precise laws governing the service in the Mishkan.

Midrashic Interpretations

  • Vayikra Rabbah (20:8): The Midrash states that Nadav and Avihu were guilty of rendering halachic decisions in the presence of their teacher, Moshe, displaying arrogance in their approach to divine service.
  • Talmud (Eruvin 63a): The Gemara suggests that they may have been intoxicated when performing the service, based on the subsequent prohibition of wine for kohanim (Vayikra 10:9).
  • Zohar (Vayikra 52a): The Zohar teaches that their souls were so elevated that they sought to draw too close to the divine presence, beyond what was permitted.

Halachic Implications

This incident serves as a critical lesson in the importance of strict adherence to halacha, even when motivated by spiritual fervor. The Torah emphasizes that divine service must be performed precisely as commanded, not according to personal interpretation or desire. This principle is foundational in Jewish law, particularly regarding avodah (Temple service) and rabbinic authority.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 53a
The verse is discussed in the context of the improper offering made by Nadav and Avihu, highlighting the consequences of not following divine commandments.
📖 Sanhedrin 52a
The incident of Nadav and Avihu is referenced in a discussion about the severity of offering unauthorized sacrifices.
📖 Eruvin 63a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the importance of adhering to divine instructions, using Nadav and Avihu as an example of the consequences of deviation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'strange fire' mean in Leviticus 10:1?
A: The 'strange fire' (אֵשׁ זָרָה) refers to the unauthorized fire that Nadav and Avihu brought as an offering, which was not commanded by Hashem. Rashi explains that they acted on their own initiative without consulting Moshe or following the proper procedure for bringing incense in the Mishkan (Tabernacle).
Q: Why were Nadav and Avihu punished so severely for bringing the strange fire?
A: The Torah emphasizes that their offering was 'which He commanded them not,' meaning they violated the strict laws of the Mishkan service. The Rambam (Hilchos Maaseh HaKorbanos 1:1) teaches that the Avodah (Temple service) must be performed exactly as prescribed. Their punishment was severe because they acted without authority in a sacred space, showing disregard for Divine instruction.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the story of Nadav and Avihu?
A: The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 20:8) teaches that this incident warns against adding or altering mitzvos without proper authority. Even with good intentions, serving Hashem must be done according to Torah law, not personal innovation. This teaches humility and adherence to halachah (Jewish law) as passed down through tradition.
Q: Did Nadav and Avihu have any positive intentions in bringing the strange fire?
A: Some commentaries (like the Sforno) suggest they acted out of a deep love for Hashem, wanting to draw closer through additional service. However, the Talmud (Eruvin 63a) emphasizes that good intentions do not justify improper actions in avodas Hashem (Divine service). Their mistake was acting without proper instruction.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish practice today?
A: This teaches the importance of following halachah precisely, especially in matters of kedushah (holiness). Just as Nadav and Avihu erred by adding to the commanded service, we must be careful not to introduce unauthorized practices in tefillah (prayer) or mitzvos. The Chofetz Chaim teaches that true devotion means serving Hashem as He commanded, not as we personally prefer.