Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Numbers 3:10 mean when it says 'the stranger that comes near shall be put to death'?
A: This verse teaches that only the Kohanim (descendants of Aharon) were permitted to perform the sacred Temple service. A 'stranger' (zar) refers to anyone not from the priestly family who attempts to serve in the Mishkan or Temple. The severe consequence emphasizes the sanctity of the priestly role, as explained by Rashi and the Talmud (Sanhedrin 83a).
Q: Why was Aharon and his sons specifically chosen for the priesthood?
A: Aharon and his sons were chosen by Hashem for their unique role due to Aharon's righteousness and his dedication to serving G-d and the Jewish people. The Midrash (Sifsei Chachamim) explains that this appointment was a divine selection, not based on human decision, establishing an eternal covenant with Aharon's descendants (see also Exodus 28:1).
Q: How does the concept of 'keeping their priest’s office' apply today without the Temple?
A: Although we lack the Temple today, Kohanim still retain certain sanctified roles, such as being called first to the Torah, reciting the Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing), and observing special laws of purity. The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 4:1) discusses how these practices maintain the continuity of the priestly heritage until the Temple is rebuilt.
Q: What is the significance of the Kohanim's role in Judaism?
A: The Kohanim serve as intermediaries between the Jewish people and Hashem in matters of Divine service, particularly in the Temple. Their role includes offering korbanot (sacrifices), blessing the nation, and teaching Torah. The Talmud (Yoma 72b) compares their service to angels, emphasizing their requirement to live with higher sanctity.
Q: Are there any exceptions where a non-Kohen could serve in the Temple?
A: Generally, no. However, the Talmud (Zevachim 116a) discusses rare cases where non-Kohanim (like Levi'im) could assist with certain peripheral tasks, but never the core sacrificial service. Even King David, though deeply righteous, was reprimanded for moving the Ark improperly because he wasn’t a Kohen (see II Samuel 6:6-7).
Appointment of Aharon and His Sons
The verse commands the appointment of Aharon and his sons to the priesthood, emphasizing their exclusive role in the service of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Rashi (Bamidbar 3:10) explains that this appointment was not merely a one-time act but an ongoing responsibility—they were to "keep their priest’s office," meaning they must vigilantly maintain the sanctity of their service and guard against any unauthorized interference.
The Prohibition Against Strangers
The phrase "the stranger that comes near shall be put to death" refers to anyone not from the lineage of Aharon who presumes to perform the priestly duties. The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 5:15) elaborates that this prohibition applies even to a Levi or a Yisrael who attempts to serve in the Mishkan or Beit HaMikdash. The severity of the punishment—death—highlights the sanctity of the Kehuna (priesthood) and the necessity of maintaining its divinely ordained structure.
Sources in Talmud and Midrash
Philosophical and Ethical Implications
The Kli Yakar (Bamidbar 3:10) notes that this commandment underscores the principle of seder (order) in divine service. Just as the universe operates with precise laws, so too must the service of Hashem follow the structure He ordained. The exclusion of "strangers" is not a rejection of their worth but a reinforcement of the unique role of the Kohanim in facilitating the connection between Klal Yisrael and Hashem.