Another matter, “and you, draw…near to you,” that is what is written: “Had Your Torah not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction” (Psalms 119:92). When the Holy One blessed be He said to Moses: “And you, draw…near to you,” [Moses] was upset. [God] said to him: ‘I had a Torah, and I gave it to you. Were it not for it, I would have eliminated My world.’ This is analogous to a wise man who took his relative [as a wife] and she spent ten years with him but did not bear children.6As such, he was required to take another wife in order to fulfill his obligation to have children (see Yevamot 64a).
He said to her: ‘Seek me a wife.’ He said to her: ‘I could take without your permission, but I am requesting your forbearance.’7As a sign of respect to his wife, he asked her consent and assistance in choosing an additional wife. So too, the Holy One blessed be He said to Moses: ‘I could have selected your brother High Priest without your knowledge, but I sought that you should be his superior.’ “From among the children of Israel” – from all the lands, the Holy One blessed be He chose the Land of Israel.
From the Land of Israel, He chose the Temple. From the Temple, He chose only the chamber of the Holy of Holies. Similarly, the Holy One blessed be He chose Israel. From Israel, He chose only the tribe of Levi.
From the tribe of Levi, He chose Aaron, as it is stated: “And choose him from all the tribes of Israel” (I Samuel 2:28). Teruma is on one side and tithe on one side.8Teruma is of a higher degree of sanctity and is given to the priests; the tithe is given to Levites (Matnot Kehuna). Nadav and Avihu are on one side and Elazar and Itamar on one side. Elazar and Itamar were chosen, as it is stated: “And choose him from all the tribes of Israel.” That is why it is stated: “Happy is the one You choose to bring near You to dwell in Your courtyards” (Psalms 65:5).