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Numbers 3:4 - Divine service's fatal mistake?

Numbers 3:4 - במדבר 3:4

Hebrew Text

וַיָּמָת נָדָב וַאֲבִיהוּא לִפְנֵי יְהוָה בְּהַקְרִבָם אֵשׁ זָרָה לִפְנֵי יְהוָה בְּמִדְבַּר סִינַי וּבָנִים לֹא־הָיוּ לָהֶם וַיְכַהֵן אֶלְעָזָר וְאִיתָמָר עַל־פְּנֵי אַהֲרֹן אֲבִיהֶם׃

English Translation

And Nadav and Avihu died before the Lord, when they offered strange fire before the Lord, in the wilderness of Sinay, and they had no children: and El῾azar and Itamar ministered in the priest’s office in the sight of Aharon their father.

Transliteration

Va'yamat Nadav va'Avihu lifnei Adonai be'hakrivam eish zarah lifnei Adonai be'midbar Sinai u'vanim lo-hayu lahem va'yakhahon Elazar ve'Itamar al pnei Aharon avihem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֣מׇת נָדָ֣ב וַאֲבִיה֣וּא לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֡ה בְּֽהַקְרִבָם֩ אֵ֨שׁ זָרָ֜ה לִפְנֵ֤י יְהֹוָה֙ בְּמִדְבַּ֣ר סִינַ֔י וּבָנִ֖ים לֹא־הָי֣וּ לָהֶ֑ם וַיְכַהֵ֤ן אֶלְעָזָר֙ וְאִ֣יתָמָ֔ר עַל־פְּנֵ֖י אַהֲרֹ֥ן אֲבִיהֶֽם׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַיָּ֣מׇת נָדָ֣ב וַאֲבִיה֣וּא לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֡ה בְּֽהַקְרִבָם֩ אֵ֨שׁ זָרָ֜ה לִפְנֵ֤י יְהֹוָה֙ בְּמִדְבַּ֣ר סִינַ֔י וּבָנִ֖ים לֹא־הָי֣וּ לָהֶ֑ם וַיְכַהֵ֤ן אֶלְעָזָר֙ וְאִ֣יתָמָ֔ר עַל־פְּנֵ֖י אַהֲרֹ֥ן אֲבִיהֶֽם׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

The Sin of Nadav and Avihu

The verse describes the tragic death of Nadav and Avihu, the sons of Aharon, who offered eish zarah (strange fire) before Hashem. Rashi (Vayikra 10:2) explains that their sin was entering the Mishkan while intoxicated, based on the subsequent prohibition against drinking wine before service (Vayikra 10:9). The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 20:8-10) offers additional interpretations:

  • They rendered halachic decisions in the presence of Moshe, their teacher, showing disrespect.
  • They brought an unauthorized offering, acting without consulting Moshe or Aharon.
  • They neglected to marry, as the verse emphasizes they had no children.

The Nature of "Strange Fire"

The term eish zarah is interpreted in various ways by commentators:

  • Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:45) suggests they brought an offering not commanded by Hashem.
  • Ibn Ezra (Vayikra 10:1) states they took fire from an ordinary source rather than from the Mizbe'ach.
  • Kli Yakar (Vayikra 10:1) explains they acted with improper intentions, seeking personal spiritual elevation rather than serving Hashem.

Consequences and Continuity of Kehunah

The verse concludes by noting that Elazar and Itamar continued serving as Kohanim. The Talmud (Zevachim 101b) derives from here that a Kohen who is childless cannot serve as Kohen Gadol, since Nadav and Avihu's lack of children is mentioned in connection with their death. This teaches the importance of continuity in the priestly service.

Lessons from the Incident

Chazal emphasize several key lessons:

  • The necessity of strict adherence to halachah in divine service (Sifra, Shemini 1).
  • The danger of unauthorized religious innovation, even with noble intentions (Ramban, Vayikra 10:2).
  • The importance of humility before Torah authority (Midrash Tanchuma, Acharei Mot 6).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 115b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the deaths of Nadav and Avihu and the implications for priestly service.
📖 Sanhedrin 52a
Mentioned in the context of discussing the punishment of Nadav and Avihu for offering strange fire.
📖 Eruvin 63a
Referenced in a discussion about the consequences of improper priestly service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'strange fire' mean in Numbers 3:4?
A: The 'strange fire' (אֵשׁ זָרָה) refers to an unauthorized offering brought by Nadav and Avihu, Aharon's sons. Rashi explains that they acted without instruction from Moshe or Hashem, bringing a fire that was not commanded. The Talmud (Eruvin 63a) also suggests they may have entered the Mishkan while intoxicated or made decisions independently without consulting their teacher.
Q: Why did Nadav and Avihu die for offering strange fire?
A: Nadav and Avihu's punishment teaches the severity of improperly serving Hashem, especially in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The Rambam (Hilchot Bi'at HaMikdash 1:7) explains that the sanctity of Divine service requires strict adherence to halacha (Jewish law). Their death emphasizes that even well-intentioned innovations in avodah (service) are forbidden if not commanded.
Q: Why does the verse mention that Nadav and Avihu had no children?
A: The Torah highlights their lack of children to show the consequence of their actions—their priestly line ended. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 20:10) notes that their death without offspring was part of the divine decree, as their descendants would not continue the kehunah (priesthood) due to their error.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Nadav and Avihu's mistake?
A: This incident teaches the importance of following Torah laws precisely, especially in spiritual matters. The Chofetz Chaim (in his writings) derives that even great individuals must serve Hashem with humility and obedience, not personal enthusiasm alone. The Sages also warn against adding or subtracting from mitzvot (Avot 1:1).
Q: How did Elazar and Itamar become priests after their brothers died?
A: Since Nadav and Avihu died childless, the priesthood passed to their younger brothers, Elazar and Itamar, as stated in the verse. Rashi (on Bamidbar 3:4) explains that they took over their duties 'before Aharon their father,' meaning under his guidance, unlike their brothers who acted independently.