Daily Zohar # 5198 – Vayikra – Why did they bring precious stones for the priest

Hebrew translation:

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Zohar Vayikra
Continued from previous DZ
#391
Rabbi Yehuda opened, “וְהַנְּשִׂיאִים הֵבִיאוּ אֵת אַבְנֵי הַשֹּׁהַם וְאֵת אַבְנֵי הַמִּלֻּאִים לָאֵפוֹד וְלַחֹשֶׁן” “And the rulers (נְּשִׂיאִים) brought the onyx stones, and the stones to be set, for the ephod and for the breastplate” (Exodus 35:27). He asks, What is the difference, that these things the rulers offered and not another person. For it is written, “כָּל־נְדִיב לִבּוֹ יְבִיאֶהָ אֶת תְּרוּמַת יְהוָה” “every one whose heart makes him willing shall bring it, the offering of YHVH” (Exodus 35:5). And it is written “and onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod and for the breastplate.” So it is a commandment for every person.
Notes:
Rabbi Yehuda questions why the Torah specifies that the tribes’ rulers (נְּשִׂיאִים) brought the special stones for the priestly garments, even though the offering was open to all whose hearts moved them.
#392
And he answers, Rather, the Holy One, blessed be He, said, Even though this free-will offering depends on all of them, let the rulers bring these stones. What is the reason? It is because the stones are found on the heart of the priest. The Holy One, blessed be He, said, Let the rulers come, whose heart is filled with pride over them, and let them bring these stones that are found on the heart of the priest, and they will be atoned for the pride of their heart. And it is written, “וְהָיוּ עַל־לֵב אַהֲרֹן בְּבֹאוֹ לִפְנֵי יְהוָה” “And they shall be upon Aaron’s heart, when he goes in before YHVH” (Exodus 28:30). And therefore “and the rulers brought the onyx stones…” to atone for them.

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