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Numbers 26:61 - Divine service demands exactness.

Numbers 26:61 - במדבר 26:61

Hebrew Text

וַיָּמָת נָדָב וַאֲבִיהוּא בְּהַקְרִיבָם אֵשׁ־זָרָה לִפְנֵי יְהוָה׃

English Translation

And Nadav and Avihu died, when they offered strange fire before the Lord.

Transliteration

Va'yamot Nadav va'Avihu be'hakrivam eish-zara lifnei Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֥מׇת נָדָ֖ב וַאֲבִיה֑וּא בְּהַקְרִיבָ֥ם אֵשׁ־זָרָ֖ה לִפְנֵ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃
וַיָּ֥מׇת נָדָ֖ב וַאֲבִיה֑וּא בְּהַקְרִיבָ֥ם אֵשׁ־זָרָ֖ה לִפְנֵ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Sin of Nadav and Avihu

The verse (Vayikra 10:1) recounts the tragic death of Nadav and Avihu, the sons of Aharon, who offered an unauthorized fire ("eish zara") before Hashem. Traditional Orthodox Jewish commentators provide several explanations for their transgression:

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (based on Toras Kohanim) explains that they erred by bringing a fire offering that was not commanded, acting independently without consulting Moshe or their father Aharon. Their zeal, though perhaps well-intentioned, overstepped the boundaries of divine service.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:45), Rambam suggests they may have entered the Mishkan while intoxicated, as the subsequent verses prohibit serving while drunk. This aligns with the Talmud's teaching (Eruvin 63a) that they failed to consult proper halachic authority.

Midrashic Interpretations

  • Vayikra Rabbah (20:8-10) offers multiple views: they served without the proper priestly garments, they entered the Holy of Holies unauthorized, or they neglected to wash their hands and feet as required.
  • Some Midrashim suggest they displayed arrogance by not marrying, believing themselves too important (Vayikra Rabbah 20:10).
  • Tanhuma (Acharei Mot 6) states they added to the divine service, violating the principle of "bal tosif" (not adding to mitzvot).

Kabbalistic Insight

The Arizal (in Pri Etz Chaim) explains they sought to draw down divine light in an improper manner, before the appointed time. Their premature spiritual enthusiasm caused a "nefitzas hada'as" (shattering of consciousness) in the upper worlds.

Halachic Implications

This incident established critical principles for divine service:

  • The necessity of exact adherence to halachic protocol in avodah (Rambam, Hilchos Bi'as HaMikdash 1:7)
  • The prohibition against innovating religious practices without proper authority (Sanhedrin 29a)
  • The danger of serving Hashem with improper motivations, even when appearing pious (Ramban on Vayikra 10:2)

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Eruvin 63a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the consequences of not following proper religious procedures, illustrating the severity of Nadav and Avihu's actions.
📖 Sanhedrin 52a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the divine punishment for improper offerings, emphasizing the importance of adhering to sacred laws.
📖 Yoma 53a
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the sanctity of the Tabernacle and the consequences of violating its sacredness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'strange fire' mean in Numbers 26:61?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Eruvin 63a), 'strange fire' refers to an unauthorized offering that Nadav and Avihu brought before Hashem. They acted without proper instruction from Moshe (Moses) and brought a fire that was not commanded, showing a lack of proper reverence for the sanctity of the Mishkan (Tabernacle).
Q: Why were Nadav and Avihu punished so severely for offering strange fire?
A: The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 20:8-10) explains that Nadav and Avihu, though righteous, made a critical error by acting independently without consulting Moshe or following the precise laws of the Mishkan. Their punishment teaches the importance of strict adherence to divine commandments, especially in matters of holiness and service to Hashem.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the death of Nadav and Avihu?
A: The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches in Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah (5:10) that this incident emphasizes the need for humility and exactness in serving Hashem. Even well-intentioned actions must follow Torah law precisely. Their story reminds us to seek proper guidance and not to innovate in matters of divine service without authority.
Q: How does the story of Nadav and Avihu apply to Jewish practice today?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 53a) derives from this episode that one must be meticulous in fulfilling mitzvot (commandments) exactly as prescribed. Today, this teaches us to follow halacha (Jewish law) carefully, especially in prayer and rituals, and to consult rabbinic authorities rather than introducing personal changes to traditions.