Why the Priests Need a Double Command of Speech

Another interpretation (of Lev. 21:1): SPEAK UNTO THE PRIESTS. This is what Scripture says (Ps. 19:3): "Day unto day pours forth speech, etc." — "there is no speech and there are no words" (ibid. 19:4). You find that in the days of winter the day lends to the night, and in the days of summer the night lends to the day, yet no creature hears anything between them, as it is said: "there is no speech and there are no words [their voice is not heard]." But below, human beings lend one to another, and how many quarrels they make over it! As it is said: "there is no speech and there are no words, etc. [through all the earth their line goes out, and their words to the end of the world]" (ibid. 19:5). The upper ones require neither saying nor speaking; but the lower ones require saying and speaking and utterances. "Speak and you shall say" — perhaps they will stand firm; as it is said: SPEAK UNTO THE PRIESTS [AND SAY UNTO THEM].