Why the Righteous Sons of Aaron Died Like Korah's Rebels

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Achrei Mot 1:2

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

Another interpretation (of Ecclesiastes 9:2): "As with the good" — this refers to the sons of Aaron. "As with the sinner" — these are those who quarreled against Aaron, Korah and his congregation, who were burned, as it is said, "And a fire went out from the LORD" (Numbers 16:35). And the sons of Aaron entered to offer, and "a fire went out from before the LORD and consumed them" (Leviticus 10:2). These offer and are burned, and those offer and are burned. And Solomon cried out, "As with the good, so with the sinner." When the sons of Aaron were burned, he sat and complained, saying: What sin befell my sons that such was done to them? Immediately the Holy One, blessed be He, revealed Himself to Moses and said to him: Go, comfort him. From where do we learn this? That it is thus written, "after the death of the two sons of Aaron" (Leviticus 16:1). And what did He say to him? "Speak to Aaron your brother," etc. (Leviticus 16:2). And "speaking" (dibbur) is nothing other than consolation, as you say, "Speak to the heart of Jerusalem," etc. (Isaiah 40:2).

Themes

TheodicyPriesthoodRebellionDeathSin

Biblical References

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