For the source text click/tap here: Zevachim 41
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The Gemara on our daf discusses differences between the pesukim that teach about two sin-offerings that are brought on the inner altar, that of the High Priest and the great Sanhedrin.
In the study hall of Rabbi Yishmael, the following parables were presented:
Regarding the sin-offering of the High Priest the Torah includes details about sacrificing the kidneys and the diaphragm, which does not appear in the commandment about the offering of the Sanhedrin (compare Vayikra 4:8-9 vs. 4:19). This is compared to a king who becomes angry at one of his beloved subjects, but because of his love for him chooses to minimize the embarrassment.
Rashi explains that in this parable, the beloved servant is the Jewish people who are represented by the great Sanhedrin. The Torah shortens the description of the Sanhedrin’s sin-offering in order to minimize embarrassment. The Maharsha offers an alternative explanation and suggests that the beloved subject is the High Priest, and that the Torah clearly delineates the details of his sin-offering since by means of the sacrifice his sin is forgiven.
We explore parabolic discourse nd how it functions theologically.