The Alschich HaKodesh quotes the Medrash regarding the first pasuk in Chumash (Bereshis Barah Elokim...) that the world was created for the sake of three things which are called Reshis (First): Yisroel, Torah, and Bikkurim (the mitzvah of bringing First Fruits to the Beis HaMikdash in Yerushalyim). The Alschich notes that it does not seem like hyperbole to say that the world was created for the sake of Yisroel. Nor does it seem surprising to say that the world was created for the sake of Torah. However, what is the emphasis in this statement of the Rabbis that the world was created for the Mitzvah of Bikkurim?
The Alschich answers that Bikkurim is a demonstration of Hakaras HaTov (gratitude). The world was created for the mitzvah of Bikkurim because the attribute of expressing gratitude is so fundamental to being a decent human being. Bikkurim demonstrates to us the importance of Hakaras HaTov.
The Vilna Gaon makes a very interesting comment in Sefer Yehoshua, from which we see the precision with which the Gaon learned a pasuk in Torah. We think of HaKaras HaTov as a very fundamental human attribute – if someone does not possess it, he is fundamentally flawed in his humanity. The Gaon understands the matter as more than just a human attribute—it is literally a Torah obligation!
In the beginning of Sefer Yehoshua, Rachav haZonah hid in her house the Spies that were sent by Yehoshua. When the Canaanite population came searching for them, she protected them and helped them escape capture. Rachav asked the spies to swear to her in G-d’s Name that they would repay the favor to her and her family by sparing them from death when the Jews would conquer the Land. The Gaon points out that when she talks about saving her family she requests “Chessed” (a kindness—over and above what “truth” requires). However, when she asks that her own life be spared, she asks for an “Os Emes” (a sign of “truth”) (Yehoshua 2:12).
The Gaon points out that for Rachav herself, who risked her life to save the spies, their “payback” to her is in the realm of Emes (truth). Returning a favor is not merely a “Chessed“, being nice. Remembering a debt of gratitude for a kindness done to you and paying back the favor at the appropriate time is something that a person needs to do—it is the absolute truth!
