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Leviticus 10:7 - Priestly duty: stay, sanctify, obey.

Leviticus 10:7 - ויקרא 10:7

Hebrew Text

וּמִפֶּתַח אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד לֹא תֵצְאוּ פֶּן־תָּמֻתוּ כִּי־שֶׁמֶן מִשְׁחַת יְהוָה עֲלֵיכֶם וַיַּעֲשׂוּ כִּדְבַר מֹשֶׁה׃

English Translation

And you shall not go out from the door of the Tent of Meeting lest you die: for the anointing oil of the Lord is upon you. And they did according to the word of Moshe.

Transliteration

U-miftach ohel moed lo tetze'u pen-tamutu ki-shemen mishchat Adonai aleichem va-ya'asu kidvar Moshe.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּמִפֶּ֩תַח֩ אֹ֨הֶל מוֹעֵ֜ד לֹ֤א תֵֽצְאוּ֙ פֶּן־תָּמֻ֔תוּ כִּי־שֶׁ֛מֶן מִשְׁחַ֥ת יְהֹוָ֖ה עֲלֵיכֶ֑ם וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֖וּ כִּדְבַ֥ר מֹשֶֽׁה׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וּמִפֶּ֩תַח֩ אֹ֨הֶל מוֹעֵ֜ד לֹ֤א תֵֽצְאוּ֙ פֶּן־תָּמֻ֔תוּ כִּי־שֶׁ֛מֶן מִשְׁחַ֥ת יְהֹוָ֖ה עֲלֵיכֶ֑ם וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֖וּ כִּדְבַ֥ר מֹשֶֽׁה׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Vayikra 8:35) appears during the seven-day inauguration period of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), when Aharon and his sons were consecrated as Kohanim (priests). The command is given to remain at the entrance of the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting) for the entire seven days, as part of their sanctification process.

Prohibition Against Leaving

Rashi explains that the warning "lest you die" refers to the severe consequences of violating this command. The Kohanim were in a state of heightened holiness during this period, akin to the status of a Kohen Gadol (High Priest) on Yom Kippur, who must remain in the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) throughout the day (Yoma 2a). Leaving would constitute a breach of their sanctified state.

The Significance of the Anointing Oil

The verse emphasizes that "the anointing oil of Hashem is upon you." Ramban (Nachmanides) teaches that the shemen hamishcha (anointing oil) imbued them with kedusha (holiness), setting them apart for divine service. The oil symbolized their unique role as intermediaries between Bnei Yisrael and Hashem.

Obedience to Moshe's Command

The concluding phrase "And they did according to the word of Moshe" highlights the complete submission of Aharon and his sons to Moshe's instructions. The Midrash (Sifra) notes that this demonstrates their unwavering commitment to fulfilling Hashem's will, even during the physically and spiritually demanding seven-day period.

Practical Implications

  • Separation for Holiness: The Kohanim's confinement symbolized the necessity of distancing oneself from mundane matters when engaged in divine service (Malbim).
  • Acceptance of Authority: Their compliance with Moshe's directive reinforced the principle of following Torah leadership without deviation (Rambam, Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 4:13).
  • Preparation for Service: The seven-day period served as a spiritual preparation, akin to the preparation required before receiving the Torah at Har Sinai (Zohar, Terumah).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 53a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the High Priest's service on Yom Kippur, emphasizing the sanctity and restrictions during the service in the Tent of Meeting.
📖 Sanhedrin 83a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the severity of leaving the Tent of Meeting, highlighting the consequences of violating divine commandments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 10:7 mean when it says not to leave the Tent of Meeting?
A: This verse is addressed to Aharon (Aaron) and his sons during their consecration as Kohanim (priests). Rashi explains that they were commanded to remain inside the Tent of Meeting for seven days as part of their inauguration process. Leaving prematurely would show disrespect to their sacred duties and the anointing oil that sanctified them for service.
Q: Why was the anointing oil so important in Leviticus 10:7?
A: The anointing oil (shemen hamishchah) was specially prepared according to G-d's command (Exodus 30:22-33) and used to sanctify the Kohanim and vessels of the Mishkan. The Rambam teaches that this oil represented the divine appointment and spiritual elevation of the priests. Its presence on them required extra caution in their behavior.
Q: How does Leviticus 10:7 apply to us today?
A: While we no longer have the Temple service, the Talmud (Yoma 72b) derives from this verse that one who has been honored with a sacred position must be extra careful in their conduct. Just as the priests had special restrictions, today's spiritual leaders and all Jews must recognize the responsibility that comes with holiness.
Q: What is the connection between Leviticus 10:7 and the deaths of Nadav and Avihu?
A: Rashi connects this verse to the tragic incident earlier in the chapter where Aharon's sons Nadav and Avihu died after bringing unauthorized fire. This command emphasizes that precise adherence to divine instructions is essential when serving in holy matters. The Sforno adds that the anointing oil required them to maintain utmost reverence.
Q: Why does the verse end by saying 'they did according to Moshe's word'?
A: The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) notes that this teaches us about the complete obedience of Aharon and his remaining sons. Despite their grief over Nadav and Avihu's deaths, they faithfully followed Moshe's instructions. This sets an example of submitting to divine commandments even in difficult circumstances.