Aaron's Budding Staff and the Doom of Those Who Challenge the Priesthood

Midrash Aggadah, Numbers 17:23

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

"And it brought forth a bud" (Numbers 17:23) — corresponding to that which is said, "And if the leprosy breaks out (paroaḥ tifraḥ)" (Leviticus 13:12), to teach you that anyone who comes and contests the priesthood, leprosy shall be upon him, just as was done to Uzziah; so shall be done to everyone who contests the priesthood. "And it produced a blossom (tzitz)" — by the Explicit Name that was written upon the frontplate (tzitz). "And it ripened almonds (shekedim)" — this teaches that the Holy One, blessed be He, is vigilant (shoked) to repay evil to anyone who contests the priesthood.

Themes

PriesthoodWisdomTribesKingsHumor

Biblical References

Continue Reading

Exempla of the Rabbis (Gaster, 1924)Contest with Wizard PriestA Jewish sage was challenged to a public contest against a pagan wizard-priest, a battle of spiritual power that would determine, in the eyes of the watching crSifra, Mekhilta deMiluimWhy the Garments of Nadav and Avihu Were Not BurnedStrange fire had risen, and two of Aaron's sons, Nadav and Avihu, lay still before the Holy One, having drawn near to that Presence against His will. Flame had Midrash TanchumaDoes Not Wish That Anyone from Israel Would Die. 129 Numb(Numb. 4:18) “Do not cut off.” See how well the text has said (in II (Kings 14:2)7), “And the Lord did not resolve to blot out the name of Israel from under theMekhilta DeRabbi YishmaelHow Much More So Is It Fit for TakingThis teaching from the Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael studies the command to set aside the Passover lamb: "on the tenth of this month they shall take to themselves, Legends of the JewsHow the High Priest's Breastplate Delivered God's AnswersForget polls and focus groups. In ancient Israel, sometimes the answer came from… a breastplate. Specifically, the breastplate of the Kohen Gadol, the High PrieLegends of the JewsJudah and the Promised LandIt wasn't just a chaotic mass of people wandering aimlessly. Oh no, there was structure, order, and vibrant banners flying high! In Ginzberg's, Legends of the J