Nadab and Abihu - View in Judaism

View in Judaism

Nadab and Abihu's sin is a matter of speculation and is debated. The Talmud holds it was for rebelling against Moses (Eruvin 63b) and the Midrash (Vayikra Raba) says the only hint we have is the commandment not to drink wine given to Aaron immediately after their death - an indication that they were drunk. Some views developed the Talmudic approach, arguing that there was an encroachment on duties which devolved on their father alone as the high priest. But the offense was of a far more aggravated nature than an encroachment on duties. Many also argued that there were multiple sins contained in one act. First, they ventured unauthorized to perform the incense service—the highest and most solemn of the priestly duties. They also engaged together in a work which was the duty only of one. And, thirdly, they presumed to light the fire on the offering themselves. In this respect, "they offered strange fire before the Lord"; they were guilty of a presumptuous and unwarranted intrusion into a sacred office which did not belong to them. In these actions they showed carelessness, irreverence, and a want of faith, lamentable especially for those in the priestly service. A precedent of such evil tendency was dangerous, and it was imperatively necessary, therefore, as well for the priests themselves as well as for the sacred things, that God should give a punishment. Finally, the Rashbam, Rashi's grandson argues that their sin was an error - not done on purpose - and that they thought they were supposed to bring their offering. Because they brought forwards the wrong offering, they were struck down by the same Divine fire that consumed the offering their father had brought. The Rashbam does not mention the Midrashic view in his comments, however his position supports it.