More on Nadav and Avihu.
In R. Binyamin Lau’s first essay for Parashat Shemini, “’SheNireh Kol Echad Ma’alat Havereinu’—Demutam Shel Nadav VeAvihu” (Etnachta: Kriyot BeParashat HaShavua, Vol. 1, Yediot Acharonot, Tel Aviv, 2009, pp. 263-5), he revisits the disturbing opening story in the Parashat HaShavua:
VaYikra 10:1-7
1 And Nadav and Avihu, the sons of Aharon, took each of them his censer, and put fire therein, and laid incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which He had not Commanded them. 2 And there came forth fire from before the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. 3 Then Moshe Said unto Aharon: This is it that the LORD Spoke, Saying: Through them that are nigh unto Me I will Be Sanctified, and before all the people I will Be Glorified. And Aharon held his peace. 4 And Moshe called Mishael and Eltzafan, the sons of Uzziel, the uncle of Aharon, and said unto them: Draw near, carry your brethren from before the Sanctuary out of the camp. 5 So they drew near, and carried them in their tunics out of the camp, as Moshe had said. 6 And Moshe said unto Aharon, and unto Eleazar and unto Eleazar and unto Itamar, his sons: Let not the hair of your heads go loose, neither rend your clothes, that ye die not, and that He Be not Wroth with all the congregation; but let your brethren, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which the LORD hath Kindled. 7 And ye shall not go out from the door of the Tent of Meeting, lest ye die; for the anointing oil of the LORD is upon you. And they did according to the word of Moshe. Continue reading →
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