Nadab and Abihu Eye the Deaths of Moses and Aaron on the Mountain

"And to Moses He said: Come up to the LORD, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu" (Exodus 24:1). This teaches that Moses and Aaron were walking, and Nadab and Abihu were walking behind them, and they were saying, "When will these two old men die, and we will exercise authority over the community in their place?" Rabbi Yudan in the name of Rabbi Aibo said: with their mouths they said it to one another. Rabbi Pinhas said: in their hearts they pondered it. Rabbi Berekhiah said: the Holy One, blessed be He, said to them, "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring" (Proverbs 27:1); many colts have died and their hides have been spread upon their mothers' backs. Rav Pappa said: this is what people say, "Many are the old camels laden with the hides of the young." "And you shall bow down from afar" (Exodus 24:1). The Torah was given only in the merit of bowing down. "And he built an altar at the foot of the mountain" (Exodus 24:4). On the fifth day he built the altar etc. "And he sent the young men of the children of Israel" (Exodus 24:5) (this is written at remez 279).