Rabbi Yehoshua of Sikhnin said in the name of Rabbi Aḥa: “A wise man ascends against the city of the mighty [giborim]” (Proverbs 21:22) – gevarim13The word giborim is written without the letter vav, such that it can be read gevarim, males. is written, as they are all males [gevarim] and there is no female among them. “A wise man ascends” – this is Moses, as it is stated: “Moses ascended to God” (Exodus 19:3).
“And removes the might of its stronghold” (Proverbs 21:22) – Rabbi Yehuda, Rabbi Neḥemya, and the Rabbis: Rabbi Yehuda says: “Might” – this is Torah. “Its stronghold [mivtaḥa]” – as the certitude [bitḥonan] of the angels was that the Torah was to be given to them, until the Holy One blessed be He said to them: “It is not found in the land of the living” (Job 28:13).14This is the land of the angels, who live forever.
Rabbi Neḥemya says: “Might” – this is Torah; “its stronghold [mivtaḥa]” – its assurance [bitḥona] is in it, and that there is reward given for it is [stated] at its side.15One is assured by the Torah itself of great reward for those who observe and study it, as in the verse: “For it is your life and the length of your days” (Deuteronomy 30:20; Yefe To’ar). The Rabbis say: “Might” – this is Torah; “its stronghold [mivtaḥa]” – as anyone who toils in it may be certain [batuaḥ] that he will issue edicts and others will fulfill them.
So, the Holy One blessed be He said to Moses: ‘You toiled extensively in the Torah, so you will issue edicts and Israel will fulfill them.’ That is what is written: “Command the children of Israel.”