פרשת נשא תש"כ - הנשיאים

"And the Chieftains of Israel offered" (Bamidbar 7:2) Why were the Chieftains anxious to make the first offerings, but in the case of the Mishkan they were lazy and only brought lapis lazuli and other stones last? When Moses said, "Anyone whose heart so moves them, bring gifts to the Lord for the work of the Tabernacle," he did not (specifically) ask the Chieftains and this was wrong in their eyes. They said, "Let the people bring what is necessary, and whatever is left we will complete." All of Israel was joyous in the work of the Tabernacle, and they brought with joy everything voluntarily and with speed. See what is written, (Exodus 35:22) "They brought, the men and the woman." They were pushing one another and the men and woman were coming all mixed together. For two mornings they brought all the offerings, as it is written (Exodus 36:3) "They continued to bring to him freewill offerings morning after morning." And it is written, (Exodus 36:7) "The work was enough for them" After two days the Chieftains requested to bring their freewill offerings, but they couldn't since Moses had already commanded, (Exodus 36:6) "A proclamation was made through the camp, 'Let no further effort be made'" The Chieftains were troubled that they did not merit in the freewill offerings of the Tabernacle. They said, "Since we have not merited in the work of the Tabernacle, we will give for the clothes of the High Priests." Thus it is written (Exodus 35:27) "The Priests brought lapis lazuli and other stones" The Holy Blessed One said, "Of my children who were quick to bring, let it be written that they brought more than enough. But the Chieftens who were lazy, a letter should be removed from their name. Thus it is written "והנשאם" which is missing the letter "י". Thus when the work of the Tabernacle was completed, they were quick to bring the sacrifices quickly.

and his offering was one silver dish, the weight thereof was a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver basin of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meal-offering;