Ramban on Ki Sisa

AI-Generated Summary (AI can be inaccurate. Check important information): 1. *Dovid's error explained* — The *Ramban* explains that *Dovid HaMelech* mistakenly counted the people without *shekalim* because the *Torah* does not explicitly state in *Parshas Ki Sisa* that the requirement to give a *kofer nafshos* is a *mitzvah l'doros* (a perpetual obligation). 2. *Lashon HaKodesh's inherent sanctity* — According to the *Ramban*, Hebrew is called *Lashon HaKodesh* because it is the language *HaKadosh Baruch Hu* used to create the world, speak with the *nevi'im*, and name the objects of creation; this contrasts with the *Rambam*, who attributes the name to the language's lack of explicit terms for "unclean" matters. 3. *Nature of the Eigel* — The *Ramban* posits that the *Chet HaEgel* was not a desire for a new god, but a search for a replacement for *Moshe Rabbeinu* to serve as a leader; this is evidenced by the use of the name *Yud-Kei-Vav-Kei* during the celebration and the people's immediate return to *Moshe* upon his descent. 4. *Betzalel’s miraculous wisdom* — The word *Re'eh* (Behold) signifies the wonder that *Betzalel*, despite being a young child raised in the crushing manual labor of *Mitzrayim*, possessed both the physical craftsmanship and the *Sod* (mystical understanding) to build the *Mishkan*. 5. *Luchos Shnios through Moshe* — Unlike the first set, the *Luchos Shnios* were given specifically *bizchus Moshe Rabbeinu*, which explains why the restrictions on approaching the mountain were stricter and the *bris* was established specifically "with you [Moshe] and with Israel." 6. *Identification of Mor* — While the *Rambam* identifies *Mor* (myrrh) as musk (an animal byproduct), the *Ramban* argues it must be a plant-based spice, citing a *Midrash* comparing *Avraham Avinu* to *Mor* which only produces fragrance when heated by fire. 7. *Stability of numbers* — The *Ramban* challenges *Rashi* regarding why the census remained 603,550 after six months, suggesting that while some turned twenty, an equal number likely died, or that *Shevet Levi* was included in the first count but not the second.