share torah logo

Leviticus 9:6 - Divine glory through obedience.

Leviticus 9:6 - ויקרא 9:6

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה זֶה הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּה יְהוָה תַּעֲשׂוּ וְיֵרָא אֲלֵיכֶם כְּבוֹד יְהוָה׃

English Translation

And Moshe said, This is the thing which the Lord commanded you to do: and the glory of the Lord shall appear to you.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Moshe zeh ha'davar asher-tziva Adonai ta'asu ve'yera aleichem k'vod Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֔ה זֶ֧ה הַדָּבָ֛ר אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה תַּעֲשׂ֑וּ וְיֵרָ֥א אֲלֵיכֶ֖ם כְּב֥וֹד יְהֹוָֽה׃
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֔ה זֶ֧ה הַדָּבָ֛ר אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה תַּעֲשׂ֑וּ וְיֵרָ֥א אֲלֵיכֶ֖ם כְּב֥וֹד יְהֹוָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 9:6) appears in the context of the inauguration of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and the consecration of Aharon and his sons as Kohanim (priests). Moshe instructs Bnei Yisrael regarding the korbanot (offerings) they must bring so that the Divine Presence (כְּבוֹד יְהוָה) will be revealed to them.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 9:6) explains that Moshe emphasized "זֶה הַדָּבָר" ("this is the thing") to stress that the fulfillment of these commandments must be done precisely as Hashem instructed, without deviation. The revelation of the Divine Glory is contingent upon meticulous adherence to the mitzvot.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:51) teaches that the appearance of the Divine Glory is a reward for proper spiritual preparation. The korbanot and the service in the Mishkan serve as a means to elevate the people, making them worthy of experiencing the Shechinah.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 11:6) connects this verse to the idea that the Shechinah dwells among Bnei Yisrael when they are united in fulfilling Hashem's will. The phrase "וְיֵרָא אֲלֵיכֶם כְּבוֹד יְהוָה" implies a collective revelation, emphasizing the importance of communal service.

Key Themes

  • Precision in Mitzvot: The wording "זֶה הַדָּבָר" underscores the necessity of exactness in performing mitzvot.
  • Divine Revelation: The appearance of the Shechinah is conditional upon proper spiritual and ritual preparation.
  • Communal Aspect: The revelation is directed to the entire nation, highlighting the collective responsibility in serving Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 4b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the appearance of the Divine Presence (Shekhinah) and the preparations required for it.
📖 Sanhedrin 16b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the authority of Moses and the transmission of divine commandments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'the glory of the Lord shall appear to you' mean in Leviticus 9:6?
A: Rashi explains that this refers to the Divine Presence (Shechinah) visibly resting upon the Mishkan (Tabernacle) when the Jewish people properly fulfill Hashem's commandments. This occurred after the inauguration of the Mishkan, showing G-d's approval of their service.
Q: Why did Moshe say 'this is the thing which the Lord commanded' in this verse?
A: The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 11:6) teaches that Moshe was emphasizing the precise details of the sacrificial service in the Mishkan. By saying 'this is the thing,' he stressed that the mitzvot must be performed exactly as commanded, without additions or omissions.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Leviticus 9:6 today?
A: The Rambam teaches that just as the Divine Presence appeared when the Jews followed G-d's commands properly, we too can merit spiritual revelation through meticulous observance of mitzvot. The verse reminds us that proper fulfillment of Torah brings divine closeness.
Q: What was the 'glory of the Lord' that appeared according to Jewish tradition?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 4b) describes that fire descended from heaven and consumed the sacrifices on the altar, demonstrating G-d's presence. This was a visible, miraculous manifestation of the Shechinah resting upon the Mishkan, validating Aharon's priesthood and the sacrificial service.
Q: Why is this verse important in the context of the Mishkan?
A: This verse marks the climax of the seven-day inauguration process (as explained in Rashi to Leviticus 8:33). It shows that after all the preparations, the Jewish people's obedience to G-d's commands brought the ultimate reward - the visible revelation of the Divine Presence in their midst.