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Leviticus 9:23 - Divine glory blesses the people.

Leviticus 9:23 - ויקרא 9:23

Hebrew Text

וַיָּבֹא מֹשֶׁה וְאַהֲרֹן אֶל־אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד וַיֵּצְאוּ וַיְבָרֲכוּ אֶת־הָעָם וַיֵּרָא כְבוֹד־יְהוָה אֶל־כָּל־הָעָם׃

English Translation

And Moshe and Aharon went into the Tent of Meeting, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people.

Transliteration

Va'yavo Moshe ve'Aharon el-ohel mo'ed va'yetze'u va'yevarechu et-ha'am va'yeira kevod-Adonai el-kol-ha'am.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּבֹ֨א מֹשֶׁ֤ה וְאַהֲרֹן֙ אֶל־אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד וַיֵּ֣צְא֔וּ וַֽיְבָרְכ֖וּ אֶת־הָעָ֑ם וַיֵּרָ֥א כְבוֹד־יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶל־כׇּל־הָעָֽם׃
וַיָּבֹ֨א מֹשֶׁ֤ה וְאַהֲרֹן֙ אֶל־אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד וַיֵּ֣צְא֔וּ וַֽיְבָרְכ֖וּ אֶת־הָעָ֑ם וַיֵּרָ֥א כְבוֹד־יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶל־כׇּל־הָעָֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in Vayikra (Leviticus) 9:23

This verse appears at the culmination of the eight-day inauguration ceremony of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), following the detailed instructions for the offerings and priestly service. Moshe and Aharon's actions here mark the transition from the preparatory phase to the actual Divine Presence dwelling among Bnei Yisrael.

The Significance of Entering and Exiting

Rashi explains that Moshe and Aharon entered the Ohel Moed to pray for the Shechinah (Divine Presence) to rest upon the work of their hands. The Midrash Tanchuma (Shemini 1) elaborates that they sought to atone for Aharon's involvement in the Golden Calf before assuming the priesthood.

  • Entering: Symbolized humility - approaching the sacred space to seek Divine favor (Malbim)
  • Exiting: Demonstrated their role as intermediaries - bringing blessing from the sacred to the people (Sforno)

The Priestly Blessing

The Ramban suggests this was the first public recitation of the Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing, Numbers 6:22-27). The Kli Yakar notes the sequence teaches that true blessing flows only after proper service in the Mishkan.

Revelation of Divine Glory

The appearance of Hashem's glory (כבוד ה׳) fulfilled the promise in Exodus 29:43. The Talmud (Yoma 4b) explains this visible manifestation as fire descending from heaven to consume the offerings, confirming Divine acceptance.

  • To all the people: Unlike at Sinai where the people feared direct revelation (Exodus 20:16), here they could behold the Divine Presence through the medium of the Mishkan (Ohr HaChaim)
  • Complete unity: The Sifra emphasizes this revelation came when "all the people" were united in purpose and service

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 53b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the blessings given by the priests and the appearance of the Divine Presence.
📖 Sotah 38a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the priestly blessings and the manifestation of God's glory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Moshe and Aharon blessed the people in Leviticus 9:23?
A: According to Rashi, the blessing Moshe and Aharon gave was the priestly blessing (Birkat Kohanim) found in Numbers 6:24-26. This was the first time this sacred blessing was bestowed upon the Jewish people, marking a special moment of divine connection.
Q: Why did God's glory appear to all the people after the blessing?
A: The Midrash explains that this was a sign of God's acceptance of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and the sacrificial service. The appearance of God's glory (כבוד ה׳) showed that the Divine Presence now dwelled among the people, validating their efforts in building a place for God's presence.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe and Aharon entering and exiting the Tent of Meeting?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 4a) teaches that their actions demonstrate proper conduct when leaving a holy place - just as they blessed the people upon exiting, we too should transition from sacred spaces (like synagogue) by carrying holiness into our daily lives through acts of kindness and mitzvot.
Q: Why is this moment in Leviticus 9:23 important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse marks the culmination of the seven-day inauguration of the Mishkan service. Rambam notes it established the pattern for future priestly service and showed how human actions below (the blessings and service) could draw down divine revelation from above.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today without the Temple?
A: The Sages teach that while we don't have the Mishkan today, we maintain this connection through prayer (which replaces sacrifices) and through Kohanim still giving the priestly blessing in synagogues. The ideal of bringing God's presence into our lives remains central to Jewish practice.