Why God Told Moses to Coax Aaron Into the Priesthood

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Tzav 14:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

Another interpretation of "Take Aaron" (Leviticus 8:2): The Holy One, blessed be He, said to him: Open with him with words, because he flees from authority. "Take" is nothing other than a term of enticement, for so did Nebuchadnezzar say to Nebuzaradan: "Take him and set your eyes upon him" (Jeremiah 39:12). And likewise it says concerning our mother Sarah: "And the woman was taken to Pharaoh's house" (Genesis 12:15) — and she did not wish to go. So too "Take Aaron" is a term of enticement, for he was fleeing from authority.

Themes

HumilityPriesthood

Biblical References

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