Why Aaron Did Not Offer With the Tribal Princes

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Beha'alotcha 6:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

[When you set up the lamps.] What is written above concerning this matter? "And it came to pass on the day that Moses had finished [etc.] that the princes of Israel offered" (Numbers 7:1-2); and afterward, "Speak unto Aaron [and say unto him]: When you set up." This is what Scripture says: "Fear the LORD, O you His holy ones, for those who fear Him lack nothing" (Psalms 34:10). You find above that eleven tribes offered, and the tribe of Ephraim offered, but the tribe of Levi did not offer; and all the princes offered except for the prince of Levi. And who was the prince of Levi? This is Aaron, as it is said, "And you shall write the name of Aaron upon the rod of Levi" (Numbers 17:18). And Aaron did not offer together with the princes, and he said, "Woe is me! Perhaps it is because of me that the Holy One, blessed be He, does not accept the tribe of Levi." The Holy One, blessed be He, said to him: Go, say to Aaron, "Fear not; for something greater than this you are prepared." Therefore it is said, "Speak unto Aaron, etc." The offerings, at the time when the Temple is standing, are practiced; but the lamps are forever — "toward the face of the menorah shall they give light" — and all the blessings that I have given you to bless My children shall never be annulled, forever.

Themes

TribesPriesthoodRoyaltyPatriarchsSacrifice

Biblical References

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