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Leviticus 10:3 - Divine justice silences mourning.

Leviticus 10:3 - ויקרא 10:3

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה אֶל־אַהֲרֹן הוּא אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּר יְהוָה לֵאמֹר בִּקְרֹבַי אֶקָּדֵשׁ וְעַל־פְּנֵי כָל־הָעָם אֶכָּבֵד וַיִּדֹּם אַהֲרֹן׃

English Translation

Then Moshe said to Aharon, This is it that which the Lord spoke, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come near me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aharon held his peace.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Moshe el-Aharon hu asher-diber Adonai lemor bikrovai ekadesh ve'al-pnei khol-ha'am ekaved va'yidom Aharon.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֗ן הוּא֩ אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּ֨ר יְהֹוָ֤ה <small>׀</small> לֵאמֹר֙ בִּקְרֹבַ֣י אֶקָּדֵ֔שׁ וְעַל־פְּנֵ֥י כׇל־הָעָ֖ם אֶכָּבֵ֑ד וַיִּדֹּ֖ם אַהֲרֹֽן׃
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֗ן הוּא֩ אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּ֨ר יְהֹוָ֤ה ׀ לֵאמֹר֙ בִּקְרֹבַ֣י אֶקָּדֵ֔שׁ וְעַל־פְּנֵ֥י כׇל־הָעָ֖ם אֶכָּבֵ֑ד וַיִּדֹּ֖ם אַהֲרֹֽן׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Vayikra 10:3) appears after the tragic death of Aharon's sons, Nadav and Avihu, who offered an unauthorized fire before Hashem. Moshe comforts Aharon by explaining that their deaths were a fulfillment of Hashem's earlier declaration about sanctifying His name through those closest to Him.

Explanation of "בִּקְרֹבַי אֶקָּדֵשׁ"

Rashi explains that this phrase refers to Hashem's decree that His sanctity will be demonstrated through His most devoted servants—specifically, the righteous. The death of Nadav and Avihu, though tragic, served as a kiddush Hashem (sanctification of God's name) because it showed the severity of approaching the Divine improperly (Rashi on Vayikra 10:3).

Aharon's Silence ("וַיִּדֹּם אַהֲרֹן")

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 12:2) highlights Aharon's silence as an act of supreme acceptance of Divine judgment. Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 5:10) teaches that true love of Hashem requires accepting suffering with love, as Aharon did. His silence demonstrated his unwavering faith despite personal tragedy.

Themes of Kiddush Hashem and Kavod Shamayim

  • Kiddush Hashem: The deaths of Nadav and Avihu revealed the seriousness of serving Hashem with exactness, as their error—though perhaps well-intentioned—was a breach of protocol (Talmud Yoma 53a).
  • Kavod Shamayim: Moshe emphasizes that Hashem's glory is magnified when His justice is seen by all, reinforcing the principle that Divine justice, even when severe, is ultimately for the sake of truth (Ramban on Vayikra 10:3).

Lessons in Acceptance of Suffering

The Sforno notes that Aharon's silence teaches that one must accept Divine decrees without complaint, recognizing that Hashem's ways are beyond human understanding. This aligns with the Talmudic principle (Berachos 60b) that one must bless Hashem for the bad just as for the good.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 115b
The verse is discussed in the context of the sanctity of the priests and the proper conduct during sacrificial service, emphasizing the importance of sanctifying God's name.
📖 Sanhedrin 52a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the deaths of Nadav and Avihu, Aharon's sons, and the concept of divine justice and sanctification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'I will be sanctified in them that come near me' mean in Leviticus 10:3?
A: This verse refers to the tragic death of Nadav and Avihu, Aharon's sons, who brought an unauthorized fire offering. Rashi explains that 'I will be sanctified' means that Hashem demands the highest level of reverence from those who serve Him in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Their punishment demonstrated the seriousness of approaching Hashem without proper caution and respect.
Q: Why did Aharon remain silent ('hold his peace') after his sons died?
A: Aharon's silence teaches us about accepting divine judgment with humility. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 12:2) praises Aharon for his restraint, showing that even in grief, he recognized Hashem's righteousness. This sets an example of faith during difficult times.
Q: How does Leviticus 10:3 apply to us today?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 5:10) derives from this verse that we must serve Hashem with awe and proper intent, especially in matters of kedusha (holiness). Just as the kohanim had to follow precise laws in the Mishkan, we must approach mitzvos with seriousness and respect.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe's words to Aharon in this verse?
A: Moshe reminded Aharon that this event fulfilled Hashem's warning about the need for holiness in His service. The Talmud (Zevachim 115b) explains that this teaches leaders to guide others in serving Hashem correctly, emphasizing that closeness to Hashem requires strict adherence to His commandments.