Another matter, “Take Aaron, and his sons with him” – that is what the verse said: “Deliver those taken to death; [if only you would save] those likely to be killed” (Proverbs 24:11). Antoninus ascended to Rabbi [Yehuda HaNasi]. He found Rabbi [Yehuda HaNasi] sitting with his disciples before him. He said to him: ‘Are these the ones of whom you boast?’
He said to him: ‘Yes. The least of them can revive the dead.’ Some time later, a servant of Antoninus was dying. He sent to [Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi] and said: ‘Send one of your disciples, so he will revive this dead person for me.’
He sent him one of his disciples, some say it was Rabbi Shimon ben Ḥalafta. He came and found [the servant] recumbent. He said to him: ‘Why are you recumbent while your master is standing on his feet?’ He immediately shook violently and stood up.2Although he had been on his deathbed, he was granted renewed life and vigor.
Another matter, “deliver those taken to death” (Proverbs 24:11), these are the sons of Aaron. “If only you would save those likely to be killed” (Proverbs 24:11), these are the sons of Aaron who were slated for death. Rav Ḥanan said: It is written: “He took it from their hands and crafted it with a graving tool” (Exodus 32:4). Let the taking here come and rectify the taking there.
Two died and two remained; “take Aaron, and his sons.”3Aaron’s selection along with his sons, as expressed in this verse, partially rectified Aaron’s sin of taking the tool and fashioning the Golden Calf (see Rabbi David Luria).