What does the Torah mean when it writes "Ki Hashem Elokecha Mis'halech be'Kerev Machanecha"?
Rashbam: It means that when they went to war, they took the Aron with them. 1
Targum Onkelos and Targum Yonasan: It refers to the Shechinah, that would accompany them into battle.
Rashbam: See Bamidbar, 31:6. Refer also to 23:11:2:1.
What are the ramifications of the phrase "Vehayah Machanecha Kadosh"?
Rashi (in Shabbos, 150a): The location of the camp of Yisrael should be holy (devoid of things that are disgusting) because a Yisrael is always thinking about Divrei Torah.
Seforno: The camp should be devoid of Tum'ah and things that are repulsive.
Yere'im 392 (in Pasuk 12 in old editions): One may not say Divrei Kedushah where there is nakedness - even of a Nochri 1 - because Ervah drives the Shechinah away.
SeMaG (Asei 119), Sefer ha'Chinuch 566, 567: It is the reason for the Mitzvos (SeMaG
See Torah Temimah citing Shabbos, 150a and note 74.
A woman, one Tefach, a man, two. See Oznayim la'Torah DH 've'Lo Yir'eh b'cha Ervas Davar', who learns it from the juxtaposition of "ve'Lo Yir'eh b'cha Ervas Davar" to Vehayah Shivt'cha Chutz".
See Torah Temimah, note 70.
See Torah Teemimah, note 71.
See Torah Temimah, note 72.
What What are the connotations of "Ervas Davar"?
Rashi: It means that Hashem should not see a D'var Ervah among you. 1
Ramban: It refers to Giluy Arayos (adultery).
Seforno: It refers to Tum'ah, eaxcrement and he like or someone who is Pasul - whose genealogy is tainted - all of which drive the Shechinah away. 2
Ibn Ezra: It refers to immorality deeds and obscene speech.
Shabbos 150a: It is a La'av against reciting the Shema in front of a person whose body is not properly covered. 3
Bava Metzi'a 114b: See answer #4. By the same token someone whose body is not properly covered is not permitted to separate Terumah - since he is fobidden to recite the Berachah.
It is not clear whether Rashi means nakedness, or a sin of Ervah. But in Sotah, 21a, he writes "Lo Yir'eh b'cha Aveirah", which is probably referring to the sin of Z'nus. Refer also to 23:10:1:4*.
Seforno (citing Kidushin, 70b): The Shechinah only rests on families of good lineage in Yisrael - which is why they said that 'Whoever was included in the list of officers of the kings of the House of David was, without doubt, of pure pedigree'
See Torah Temimah, note 75.
What are the implications of the word "ve'Lo Yir'eh b'cha Ervas Davar"
Oznayim la'Torah: It implies that, not only may one not recite the Shema in front of the nakedness of others, but that one may not do so even of one is oneself not properly covered. 1
What is the significance of the fact that the Torah mentions covering by Tz'o'ah and not seeing by Ervah?
Berachos, 25a: Consequently, If one covers Tzo'ah with a glass lantern, one is permitted to recite the Shema, but not iin front of Ervah that is visible through glass. 1
See Torah Temimah, note 73.
What are the implications of the words "ve'Shav me'Acharecha"?
Seforno: It implies that 'when you turn the backs of your necks to Hashem - regarding one of the above - He will forsake you'.
Alshich: If there will be lecherousness among you, Hashem will turn away fom you and become your enemy from behind, and you will be vanquished in front and in the back. 1
Ha'amek Davar: "Ervas Davar" removes the awe and honor of the Shechinah from a person - which is why the Chachamim forbade even to think Divrei Torah in a bathroom or in a bathhouse and to learn Torah in front of a person who is not properly covered.
Sifri: It implies that Arayos (in its various forms) drives away the Shechinah. 2
