Sanctifying Hashem's Name/2
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Sanctification of Hashem's Name
Exegetical Approaches
Result of Observance
Vayikra 22:31 declares that observance of Hashem's commandments will lead to a sanctification of Hashem's name, but does constitute an obligation perform a specific action.
Passive form of "וְנִקְדַּשְׁתִּי" – The passive form of the word "וְנִקְדַּשְׁתִּי" supports this position, suggesting that the sanctification is a consequence rather than a command.
Context
To whom are these words directed?
- Priests – Ibn Ezra and Abarbanel claim that the words are aimed at the priests. If they keep the laws immediately preceding this passage (not slaughtering a mother and son together and properly offering thanksgiving sacrifices), then Hashem's name will be sanctified.
- Nation – Seforno, in contrast, asserts that if the Children of Israel
Positive Behavior
The phrase "וְנִקְדַּשְׁתִּי בְּתוֹךְ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" obligates people to behave in a manner which will sanctify God's name.
Martyrdom
"וְנִקְדַּשְׁתִּי בְּתוֹךְ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" is the positive commandment to forfeit one's life rather than transgress commandments in public.
Sources:Sifra Vayikra, Yerushalmi Sanhedrin, Bavli Sanhedrin, Bavli Avodah Zarah, Rashi, Rambam, Ramban, Ralbag,
