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preparation. This seems to indicate that this tribe has a special power to # 26347-EYAL-6BOOKS - 26347-Bamidbar-EYAL | 2 - A | 18-08-19 | 13:48:22 | SR:-- | Black 26347-EYAL-6BOOKS - 26347-Bamidbar-EYAL | 2 - A | 18-08-19 | 13:48:22 | SR:-- | Magenta 26347-EYAL-6BOOKS - 26347-Ba
add to the word of Hashem. The second is the point of constantly adding
to one’s level of yirat Shamayim and acceptance of the Torah. Hashem
concurred with this.

One must build a miniature Mishkan within himself, in which the
Shechinah will reside. But he must make sure to keep it miniature, rather
than a source of self-aggrandizement. We find that Shmuel Hanavi was
equal in stature to Moshe and Aharon. He merited that achievement due
to his humility. In spite of his high position, he never took advantage of
the people for his own personal interests. Instead, he would travel among
the nation. In opposition, Korach is a prime example of someone who
demanded greatness. He ended up truly diminished.

Moshe relayed Bnei Yisrael’s reply of Na’aseh v’nishma to Hashem.
Hashem certainly knew their response; why was it necessary for Moshe to
relay it? Moshe told Hashem that he knew their outward response, but
Hashem is the only One Who knew what was going on in their hearts. By
revealing Himself to them at Har Sinai, He was proving that their
acceptance of the Torah was with a complete heart.

The Midrash relates that Moshe was afraid that encamping according to
the flags would raise dissention among the nation, for those residing closer
to the Mishkan would feel superior to the others. Hashem mollified him
by stating that Bnei Yisrael would encamp around the Mishkan in the
same order that the Shevatim had carried the bier of Yaakov.

Why did Hashem instruct each tribe to have its own flag? So that they
should improve their middot. Those camping nearer to the Mishkan were
meant to realize it was not in their own merit, but merely by Hashem’s
command. Those who stood at the back were to be considered greater, for
their sole desire was to come closer to the Shechinah. The word (flag)
is contained in the word (greatness).