1)

Why does it say "Zaku Nezireha mi'Sheleg"?

1.

Rav Sadya Gaon: Its chosen ones were clearer (from impurities) than snow.

2.

Rashi #1: Nezireha are its officers. This is like Nezer and a Keser (crown)/

3.

Rashi #2: Nezireha are Nezirim who grew their hair long. They were exceedingly beautiful.

4.

Ri Kara: Their hairs were whiter than snow. Nezireha is hairs, like "Gazi Nizrech" (Yirmeyah 7:29). Also "Tzachu" refers to whiteness - "Dodi Tzach v'Adom" (Shir ha'Shirim 5:10).

5.

Palgei Mayim: They were great Tzadikim who separated from all worldly desires to the point that they were clearer than snow.

2)

Why does it add "Tzachu me'Chalav"?

1.

Ibn Ezra, Ri Kara: The matter is repeated [in different words].

2.

Palgei Mayim: This refers to Ba'alei Teshuvah. The metaphor "whiter than milk" is used, for milk was [red] blood, and it turned [ins the mother to] white [milk].

3)

What are "Peninim"?

1.

Rav Sadya Gaon: They are gems.

2.

Ri Kara: It is gold. It is called Peninim, for people hide it bi'Fnim (inside).

3.

Rid: They are red pearls.

4)

What is the meaning of "Admu Etzem mi'Peninim"?

1.

Rashi: Their appearance was redder than Peninim. Etzem is appearance, like "uch'Etzem ha'Shamayim la'Tohar" (Shemos 24:10).

2.

Palgei Mayim: This refers to judges who judge Resha'im. Red is a Mashal, for judgment.

5)

What is the meaning of "Sapir Gizrasam"?

1.

Rav Sadya Gaon: Their joints were brighter than sapphire. This is a Mashal and exaggeration.

2.

Rashi: Their form was like sapphire.

3.

Ibn Ezra: This is like "Admu Etzem mi'Peninim." The prefix Mem in mi'Peninim applies also to Sapir, just like the Mem in "me'Kel Avicha" (Bereishis 49:25, applies also to "v'Es Shakai". Sapir is red;) "Livnas ha'Sapir" (Shemos 24:10, is not white, rather,) like Levenah (a brick), for it says "k'Ma'ase [Livnas ha'Sapir]."

4.

Ri Kara: Their faces were radiant like sapphire.

5.

Rid: The preciseness of their stature was like that of sapphire.

6.

Palgei Mayim: This refers to people who are Moser Nefesh for Kedushas Hashem. This is like Chazal said, that all blows do not break sapphire; it is put in an iron anvil. In spite of all these Tzadikim, "Lo Chamalta" (2:21).

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

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