The parasha ends with a
twelve-fold repetition of the offerings of the tribal leaders at the dedication
of the Tabernacle.
The classical commentators are
concerned by the apparent waste of words. Don Yitzhak Abravanel (15th
century) phrased the question: “why do the verses mention the offering of each
tribal prince in detail, in light of the fact that each of the offerings was
identical? It seems an exaggerated repetition and indeed is very strange.”
Naḥmanides
explains that the Torah teaches us that “God honors those who fear him”. If the
Torah had detailed the offering of Naḥshon, prince of Judah, on the first day
and then stated that each of the remaining eleven tribal princes brought the
same offering, it would be a slight to the remaining princes. In order to demonstrate that each of the
princes’ offering is equally important to God, the Torah presents things with
an unparsimonious use of words.
Rabbi
Shlomo Wolbe explains Naḥmanides’ comment in terms of hakarat haTov (expressing
appreciation). The repetition of virtually the same words to describe the
offerings of each of the twelve princes individually is intended to demonstrate
that God, as it were, appreciates each individual offering equally. It is a
lesson in the importance of hakarat haTov. Hakarat haTov applies
between man and God, with the need to appreciate what God has done for each of
us. Equally, hakarat haTov applies between man and fellow man. Our
verses teach that hakarat haTov applies as well between God and man.
While God does not need the offerings brought by human beings, He expresses His
appreciation so we may learn the value of hakarat haTov.
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