Комментарий о цитате к Ирмеяу 8:8

Translator’s note: The Netziv has explained “write for yourself” refers to the writing of notes required for organizing one’s thought when applying “pilpul be-alma.”¹⁹When the Rosh says, “All wisdom and reasoning are hinted at in the writing of the Torah by the forms of the letters,” he is explaining the process of pilpul be-alma, not “the writing is yours.” The Netziv in the following paragraph is citing the history of the Tribe of Zevulun to demonstrate how the gift of pilpul requires an additional ability to properly comprehend the previous generations’ notes.
See what I wrote at length in Ha’amek Davar to Devarim 33:23²⁰There the Netziv states that the scholars of Zevulun possessed the ability to apply pilpul and originate new laws. However, since they were unable to communicate this ability to others, they recorded their ideas only for their own use. and in my compilation Rinah shel Torah²¹I could not find this verse explained in Rinah shel Torah. Perhaps the Netziv is referring to his lengthy discussion in this compilation, when he describes how Jeremiah warned his generation that by applying pilpul they could repel the sword of the enemy. See text at note 30.: that “Out of Zevulun, they who handle the pen of the scribe”²²Judges 5:14. means that they would record for themselves what they heard [originated by other scholars]. This is also the intent of Jeremiah chapter 8:²³Verse 8. “How can you say, ‘We are wise and the Torah of the Lord is with us?’ For it has performed falsehood, the pen of falsehood of the scribes.” This means that you should not say that since the Written Torah is with them, [well-known by Jeremiah’s generation]; it must be considered wise. The scribes [of the previous generations created opportunities] for falsehood, for the preceding generations left them notes from their numerous novel insights that existed from the days of Hezekiah – for naught, for as we wrote below,²⁴Chapter 11. during the days of Jeremiah they did not toil in the Torah [and misused those notes].

And so [too] have we found that the prophet accuses and considers a sin the one who boasts that he is a sage that rebels against a commandment and pursues his personal desire. And this is [the meaning] of what he said (Jeremiah 8:8), "How can you say, 'We are sages, and the Torah of the Lord is with us'"?

Let not the wise man boast Do not boast, saying, “We are wise.” Behold, you have rejected My words, so what wisdom do you have? If you understand and know Me, then you can boast of your wisdom.