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Shabbos 86

86b

AGADAH: The Gemara explains that no matter what day of the month it was, the Torah was certainly given on Shabbos. This may be interpreted homiletically as follows. Shabbat is dedicated to the study -- and hence the preservation -- of the Torah and its Mitzvot. This theme reappears numerous times in Chazal:

(a) "How I love Your Torah; it is my speech all of the day" (Tehillim 119:97). The Pasuk does not say "it is my speech all day," but rather, "it is my speech all *the* day." *The* day is a reference to the unique day, the Shabbat. On Shabbat, David would dedicate himself completely to the joy of the study of the Torah. (Rabbeinu Bachya, Shmot 20:8)

(b) Throughout the entire Torah there is not a single section which begins with the convening of an assembly except for this one [the beginning of Parshas Vayakhel], which begins, "Moshe assembled the Bnai Yisrael," and continues with a discussion of the laws of Shabbat. Hashem meant to tell Moshe, "Make large assemblies [on Shabbat] and expound before them publicly on the laws of Shabbat, in order that future generations should learn from you to do the same. (Yalkut Shimoni #408)

(c) The Torah complained before Hashem, saying, "When the Bnai Yisrael enter the Land of Israel, everyone will become preoccupied with their agricultural pursuits -- what will become of *me* then?" Hashem answered her, "I have an excellent mate for you -- the Shabbat. On that day, the Jews are not busy with their work, and they will be free to occupy themselves in studying you. (Tur Orach Chayim #290; see also Tanna D'vei Eliyahu Rabba, Chap. 1)
[See also "Torah from theInternet," Parashat Vayakhel]