How the Pride of Nadav and Avihu Sealed Their Doom

Sifra, Mekhilta deMiluim II 21

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

21) At that time destruction "sprang upon" Nadav and Avihu. Others say: It accrued to them from Sinai. They saw Moses and Aaron going first, themselves going after them, and all of Israel after them — whereupon Nadav said to Avihu: Soon these two old ones will die and we will lead the congregation — at which the Holy One Blessed be He said: We shall see who shall bury whom. They will bury you, and they will lead the congregation!

Themes

Divine JusticeTribesMosesPriesthoodSin

Biblical References

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