“Command the children of Israel” – that is what is written: “Call and I will answer You” (Job 14:15), just as it says: “Then you will call, and the Lord will answer” (Isaiah 58:9). “So that You will long [tikhsof]”4This is a variation of the end of Job 14:15. – so that Your soul will long for Your handiwork, just as it says: “Because you longed [nikhsof nikhsafta]” (Genesis 31:30).5The midrash cites this verse in order to clarify the meaning of the word tikhsof in the verse in Job.
Job said before the Holy One blessed be He: Master of the universe, the supernal and the earthly are under Your authority, and You long for Your handiwork? Rather, You tend to Your handiwork.6Job is saying that God commands the people of Israel to light lamps in the Temple not because He needs their light, but in order to grant them reward for fulfilling His command. That is, “command the children of Israel.”