The Priests Who Approach the LORD at Sinai Must Sanctify Themselves

Mekhilta DeRabbi Shimon Ben Yochai 19:22

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"And also the priests who approach the LORD shall sanctify themselves" (Exodus 19:22). Rabbi Yehoshua ben Korchah says: these are the firstborn. Rabbi [Yehudah HaNasi] says: this is Nadab and Abihu. In two places "priests" is said and Nadab and Abihu are not said, and in two places Nadab and Abihu are said and "priests" is not said. "Lest the LORD break out against them" (Exodus 19:22) [literally, make a breach in them] meaning that no breach be made in them. Another interpretation: "Lest the LORD break out against them" meaning that they themselves should not break through.

Themes

SinaiPriesthoodHoliness

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