The Torah itemizes the presents the Nesi’im, the tribe leaders, brought. Although they brought identical presents the Torah reiterates each present as a separate incident. The Torah is usually most sparing of words: why aren’t they all summarized in one paragraph?
The Ralbag suggests the Nesi’im all brought identical gifts to forestall any jealousy or rivalry between them. No one brought a better offering than his peers. This noble plan involved personal sacrifice; were each to bring his unique gift, each different offering would entitle an exclusive paragraph in the Torah. Now that they all brought an identical present they stood to lose that. So the Torah gave each his own paragraph, although unnecessary, so that they lose nothing. The Torah is teaching us that self-sacrifice for peace cannot make one lose. Hashem will make it up to you.
You must log in to post a comment.