The ancient rabbis, plumbing the depths of the Torah, had a different take, and it’s one that resonates even today.
We find a fascinating discussion in Shemot Rabbah, a collection of rabbinic interpretations on the Book of Exodus. The rabbis focus on the phrase, “This is the matter…” and connect it to a verse in Proverbs: “The wise will inherit honor” (Proverbs 3:35). But what is this honor? The rabbis are clear: Honor is nothing other than Torah.
To illustrate this, they take us on a journey through the early parts of the Book of Chronicles. It begins with a long list of names, right? "Adam, Seth, Enosh…" and so on (Chronicles 1:1). You read through the genealogy, name after name, and notice something striking: None of these figures are explicitly described as having "honor."
That is, until we get to Yabetz. As it says in 1 Chronicles 4:9, "Yabetz was honored more than his brethren." Why Yabetz? What set him apart? The sages explain that Yabetz toiled in Torah. He dedicated himself to its study and, importantly, taught it to others. The Talmud (Temura 16a) expands on this, highlighting his commitment to disseminating Torah knowledge. That is why he was honored. "The wise will inherit honor," indeed!
This idea – that Torah study and teaching are the keys to true honor – is further emphasized with the example of Aaron, the High Priest. Malachi 2:6 tells us, "The Torah of truth was in his mouth." And what does God say to Moses regarding Aaron? "You shall make holy vestments for Aaron your brother, for honor and for splendor" (Exodus 28:2). According to the rabbis, these magnificent garments weren't just about outward appearance. They were a direct result of Aaron’s dedication to Torah.
So, what's the takeaway here? The rabbis in Shemot Rabbah are telling us that true honor isn't something you're born into or acquire through worldly means. It's earned through a commitment to wisdom, to learning, and to sharing that knowledge with others. It's a beautiful reminder that the pursuit of knowledge and the dedication to teaching are among the most honorable paths we can take.
What does this mean for us today? Maybe it’s a call to deepen our own learning, to share our knowledge with others, or simply to appreciate the profound wisdom that's available to us. Perhaps, the greatest honor isn’t about being given accolades, but about the legacy of knowledge and understanding we leave behind.