Another matter: “They shall take Me a gift” – that is what is written: “For a good lesson [lekaḥ] I have given you (Proverbs 4:2). Rabbi Berekhya HaKohen ben Rabbi11When the term Rabbi is used without mention of which rabbi, it is generally a reference to Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi. That cannot be the case here, as Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi was not a priest. The meaning of “ben Rabbi [berabbi]” may be that Rabbi Berekhya was a student of Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi.
Alternatively, the term berabbi may be used similarly to the term beribi, which means, “the esteemed.” said: The way of the world is that when a person sells an object from his house, he is sad over it. But the Holy One blessed be He gave the Torah to Israel and is joyful; that is, “a good acquisition [lekaḥ].” The way of the world is that when a person acquires an object he exerts himself to protect it, but the Torah protects its owners, as it is stated: “When you walk it will guide you; [when you lie down, it will protect you]” (Proverbs 6:22).
The way of the world is that when a person acquires an object from the marketplace, can he perhaps acquire its owner? But the Holy One blessed be He gave the Torah to Israel and says to them, as it were: It is I that you are acquiring. That is, “they shall take Me a gift.”