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Leviticus 16:1 - Divine warning after tragic error

Leviticus 16:1 - ויקרא 16:1

Hebrew Text

וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה אַחֲרֵי מוֹת שְׁנֵי בְּנֵי אַהֲרֹן בְּקָרְבָתָם לִפְנֵי־יְהוָה וַיָּמֻתוּ׃

English Translation

And the Lord spoke to Moshe after the death of the two sons of Aharon, when they came near before the Lord, and died;

Transliteration

Vayedaber Adonai el-Moshe acharei mot shnei bnei Aharon bekarvatam lifnei-Adonai vayamutu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה אַחֲרֵ֣י מ֔וֹת שְׁנֵ֖י בְּנֵ֣י אַהֲרֹ֑ן בְּקׇרְבָתָ֥ם לִפְנֵי־יְהֹוָ֖ה וַיָּמֻֽתוּ׃
וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה אַחֲרֵ֣י מ֔וֹת שְׁנֵ֖י בְּנֵ֣י אַהֲרֹ֑ן בְּקׇרְבָתָ֥ם לִפְנֵי־יְהֹוָ֖ה וַיָּמֻֽתוּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 16:1) introduces the laws of Yom Kippur immediately following the tragic death of Aharon's two sons, Nadav and Avihu. Rashi explains that this juxtaposition teaches that just as the korbanot (offerings) brought on Yom Kippur achieve atonement, so too the death of the righteous atones for sins.

The Nature of Their Sin

Traditional sources offer several explanations for why Nadav and Avihu died:

  • Unauthorized Offering: Rashi (based on Vayikra 10:1-2) states they brought an "alien fire" (אש זרה) which Hashem had not commanded.
  • Entering the Holy of Holies: The Talmud (Eruvin 63a) suggests they entered the Kodesh HaKodashim without permission.
  • Ruling on Halacha: The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 20:8) says they rendered halachic decisions in Moshe's presence without proper deference.

Divine Justice and Providence

The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:1) explains that their death demonstrated the extreme sanctity of the Mishkan and the grave consequences of approaching the Divine service improperly. The Ohr HaChaim notes that the phrase "before Hashem" emphasizes they died specifically because of their proximity to the Divine Presence.

Lessons from the Incident

The Kli Yakar highlights three key lessons:

  • Even noble intentions (like their desire to serve Hashem) must conform to Torah law
  • One must maintain proper boundaries in Divine service
  • Great spiritual heights require corresponding levels of caution

Connection to Yom Kippur

The Sforno explains that placing these laws after their death teaches that the Kohen Gadol's entry into the Kodesh HaKodashim on Yom Kippur must follow the precise protocol to avoid their fate. The verse thus serves as both a warning and the foundation for the detailed Yom Kippur service that follows.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 53a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the death of Aaron's sons and the subsequent laws given to Moses regarding the service in the Tabernacle.
📖 Eruvin 63a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the consequences of improper service in the sanctuary, relating to the death of Aaron's sons.
📖 Sanhedrin 52b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the punishment of Nadab and Abihu for their unauthorized offering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were Aharon's two sons who died?
A: Aharon's two sons who died were Nadav and Avihu. They brought an unauthorized fire offering before Hashem, as described in Leviticus 10:1-2. Rashi explains that they entered the Holy of Holies without permission and brought a fire they were not commanded to bring.
Q: Why does the Torah mention their death at the beginning of Leviticus 16?
A: The Torah mentions their death here to introduce the laws of Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), which follow in this chapter. The Ramban explains that this serves as a warning to Aharon about the proper way to approach Hashem's service, especially on Yom Kippur when entering the Holy of Holies.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the death of Aharon's sons?
A: The Talmud (Eruvin 63a) teaches that this incident teaches the importance of following Torah commandments precisely, especially in matters of Divine service. Even though Nadav and Avihu had good intentions, they acted without proper authority. This teaches us the value of humility and obedience in serving Hashem.
Q: Why does it say 'when they came near before the Lord'?
A: Rashi explains that this phrase emphasizes that they died specifically because they came too close to Hashem's presence in an improper manner. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 20:8) adds that they entered the Holy of Holies without the proper preparation or authorization, showing that even holy actions require proper boundaries.
Q: How does this verse relate to Yom Kippur?
A: This verse introduces the entire Yom Kippur service. The Sforno explains that after this tragedy, Hashem gave specific instructions about how and when the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) may enter the Holy of Holies - only on Yom Kippur and only following the precise procedure outlined in this chapter.