Unauthorized Fire

Question

“Nadab and Abihu, however, died before the Lord, when they made an offering with unauthorized fire before Him in the Desert of Sinai. They had no sons, so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron.” (Numbers3:4).

What is meant by “unauthorized fire”?

0

Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    Any fire that is not brought by the High priest is considered to be unauthorized, and it carried with it a punishment of death. Aaron’s two sons had the very best of intentions when they brought the fire, but they were not authorized to do so, and, subsequently, they lost their lives.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team