The Humility of Moshe Rabenu
D'var Torah:
And He called to Moshe, and HaShem spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting" (Vayikra 1:1). Before building the Mishkan, HaShem informed Moshe that He would speak to Moshe in the inner sanctum of the Mishkan. Nevertheless, when the Mishkan was completed, and the glory of HaShem filled the Mishkan, Moshe Rabenu chose not to enter within its holy gates. Why didn't Moshe take advantage of the opportunity to commune with and come close to HaShem? The Torah praises Moshe for one specific character trait: "Moshe was exceedingly humble" (BaMidbar 12). Due to Moshe's exceptional humility, he felt himself unworthy to enter the Mishkan, even though HaShem had previously revealed it would be the place where HaShem would commuincate with Moshe. Moshe didn't feel comfortable entering the holy Sanctuary, not even to experience prophecy, pray, or offer a sacrifice, until HaShem gave him permission, and summoned him to enter.
Moral:The proof of Moshe Rabenu's sincere and extraordinary humility was manifest in his reluctance to enter the Mishkan - that was filled with the Light of the Shechinah - before HaShem gave him permission to enter. Humility is the most worthy and precious character trait.
Application: (1) Envision Moshe Rabenu standing in front of the Mishkan, that was filled with the glorious Shechinah. (2) Imagine how much Moshe Rabenu longed to enter the Mishkan so that he could experience new levels of knowing HaShem. (3) Note how his deep-seated humility countered his desire to enter the Sanctuary. (4) Transpose Moshe's humility to your heart. (5) Always be exceedingly humble, before HaShem and before every man.
(Based on the commentary of Rabenu Bachayia)
