Iyov’s Concern

Parshat Acharei-Mot begins by making a reference to the death of Aharon’s two sons, Nadav and Avihu. There is a strange Midrash where Iyov, Job, relates to this story.

The Midrash tells us that when Iyov heard of the death of Aharon’s two sons, he said, “Even for this, my heart trembles.” In essence, he came to the realization that he was in big trouble.

There is an explanation given by Nachal Kedumim for this strange comment of Iyov. He heard that the reason the sons of Aharon were killed was because of a conversation between them.

They were walking behind Moshe and Aharon one day, when Nadav said to Avihu, “When will these old guys die, so that we can take over?” Hashem said to them, “We’ll see who buries who!”

Iyov realized that Avihu only listened to Nadav’s inappropriate statement, and was equally punished. He realized that he was guilty of merely listening to Pharoah’s decree of throwing Jewish babies into the Nile.

At that moment Iyov understood that when a wrong is being done, and one does not protest, it is as if he was complicit in this wrongdoing. It took the life of Avihu for his silence. He could only imagine what suffering he might be forced to endure, for his own silence.

We must feel the pain of every Jew. If they are wronged or treated badly, we must do all in our power to stop it. Parshat Kedoshim has the verse, “Do not stand idly by, when the blood of your brother is spilt.”