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14 [1] V’IM (AND IF) THOU BRING A MEAL-OFFERING OF FIRST-FRUITS. “The word *im* (if) here has the meaning of *ki* (when), for the bringing [of this meal-offering of the first-fruits] is not a voluntary matter, since Scripture speaks here of the meal-offering of the new barley, which is obligatory. Similarly, ‘*V’im’* (*and if*) *the Jubilee of the children of Israel shall be* [means ‘when’ the Jubilee will be — for it is bound to come].” This is Rashi’s language.
The correct interpretation is that He used the expression *im* (if) because He is not commanding the performance now of this precept [namely bringing the meal-offering of the new barley], and He is thus saying: “When you offer a meal-offering baked on the griddle you shall do it in such-and-such a way; and if you offer a meal-offering of the stewing-pan, you shall make it in another way; and if the meal-offering you will bring will be the one of first-fruits, you should do it in this manner.” Thus the word *im* is here to be understood in its literal sense [namely, “if”]. Then the meaning of the verse, ‘*V’im’the Jubilee of the children of Israel shall be* is as follows: [The heads of the fathers’ houses of the tribe of Manasseh] said to Moses: “Even ‘if’ the children of Israel will inherit the Land forever, and will be privileged to sanctify the year of the Jubilee, the inheritance [of Zelophchad] will not return to us” [because his daughters might marry men from other tribes, which would cause the land to be transferred to other tribes].
It is also possible that He is stating: “And if you bring a meal-offering of the first-fruits, you shall do it in this prescribed way,” as if He were to say, “if the Eternal your G-d will bring you into the Land, and you will reap the harvest thereof and bring the meal-offering of the first-fruits, you shall do it in such-and-such a manner;” for G-d always mentions the inheritance of the Land to them conditionally, just as He said, *For if ye shall diligently keep all this commandment … then will the Eternal drive out all these nations from before you*, and so also in many places.
Version: Commentary on the Torah by Ramban (Nachmanides). Translated and annotated by Charles B. Chavel. New York, Shilo Pub. House, 1971-1976
Source: https://www.nli.org.il/he/books/NNL_ALEPH002108945/NLI
License: CC-BY