As Heard From Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L
“For they are My servants that I brought forth from the land of Egypt.” 25:42
This verse expresses displeasure at the bondage of an Israelite to anyone other than to Hashem. Even if the motivation was that “I love my master” (Shemot 21:5). Hashem considers this as a contradiction to the loyalty to Him.
Love of any person, or of anything else, is not approved if it subjects the mind of the lover and detracts from his loyalty to the service of Hashem. Similarly, when a man becomes subjected to his own character traits so that he is enslaved by them, Hashem views him as if he had sold himself into servitude instead of remaining free to choose the service of Hashem.
One that sells himself to alcoholism or narcotics, or even to pleasure-seeking and traveling or excessive eating, is here confronted with the declaration that “they are My servants that I brought forth from the land of Egypt.” (adapted from Rabbi Simcha Zissel, Alter of Kelm).
Among the open lessons of this pasuk is the duty of regarding the Israelite as a holy person. “For you are a holy people to Hashem your G-d” (Devarim 7:6). Our fellow Jew is a priest of Hashem (Shemot19:6) chosen for Hashem’s service, and all Jews and non-Jews are required to honor every Israelite who is loyal to Hashem.
In the future, all the gentiles will regard all Israelites as priests: “And you will be called Priests of Hashem” (Yeshaya 61:6).
Quoted from “A Kingdom of Cohanim” by Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L
Shabbat Shalom
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