Why Nadab and Abihu's Death Grieved God Twice Over

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Achrei Mot 8:1

R. Nahman of Joppa said in the name of R. Pinhas, who spoke in the name of R. Simon: It says, “before the LORD… before the LORD” (Numbers 3:4), twice; “in the presence of Aaron their father” (ibid.), one time. Rather, this teaches that it was twice as grievous before the Holy One, blessed be He, as it was for their father.

Themes

Biblical References