Why Nadab and Abihu Died for Ruling Before Moses

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Achrei Mot 6:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

"After the death" (Leviticus 16:1). It was taught [in the name of] Rabbi Eliezer: Nadab and Abihu died only because they ruled a halakhah in the presence of Moses their master. There is a story about Rabbi Eliezer, that his disciple ruled a halakhah before him. He said to Imma Shalom his wife: This man will not live out his year. And so it was: he did not live out his year. His disciples said to him: Our master, are you a prophet? He said to them: "I am neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet" (Amos 7:14). Rather, thus I have received as tradition from my masters: Whoever rules a halakhah in the presence of his master is liable to death.

Themes

Divine JudgmentDeathLawMosesProphecy

Biblical References

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