Daf Yomi -Yoma 47- Modesty has its rewards

The Gemara states that Kimchis had seven sons who served in the position of Kohen Gadol. When questioned by the Chachamim what she did to merit such a great reward, she replied, “In all my days, the beams of my house did not see the braids of my hair.” Rashi quotes a Yerushalmi that states that it is said all her glory-the daughter of a king-is inside, her raiment is of golden settings. This verse is interpreted to mean that a Jewish woman who conducts herself modestly will merit having a son who wears the vestments of a Kohen Gadol which has gold settings.

What is the deeper understanding of this Gemara? Why is it that Kimchis, who was so modest, merited seven sons who served as Kohanim Gedolim?

The answer is that although it appears that the glory of the Kohen Gadol was only external, the truth is that his glory emanated from his modesty. The Torah states you shall make vestments of sanctity for Aharon your brother, for glory and splendor. Kavod, glory, is an external pride, where people see the beautiful vestments and are in awe of the stature of the Kohen Gadol. Tiferes, splendor, is an internal beauty.

It is said for the lips of the Kohen should safeguard knowledge, and people should seek teaching from his mouth; for he is an agent of HaShem, Master of Legions. The Kohen reflects knowledge, which is internal, and this knowledge must be safeguarded. One can only safeguard knowledge if there is modesty, which was the trait that Kimchis exemplified. By conducting herself modestly, Kimchis was able to merit perpetual modesty through her sons who served as Kohanim Gedolim.