144. Rabbi Yitzchak said: THEREFORE, A PRIEST IS NOT PERMITTED TO DO HIS DUTIES IF HE HAS NO WIFE, since the Shechinah does not dwell in someone who is not married. It is more imperative for the priests to have the Shechinah dwelling among them than the rest of the nation. When the Shechinah rests on them, Chesed resides among them and they are considered pious men (Heb. Chassidim). They are required to bless the nation and this is what is meant by: "And Your pious ones shall bless You" (Tehilim 145:10). It is also written: "Let Your Tummin and Your Urim be with Your pious one" (Devarim 33:8). Since the priest is considered pious, he needs to bless, which is why it is written, "Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, In this way you shall bless" (Bemidbar 6:23). The reason is that they are considered pious and it is written, "And Your pious ones shall bless You."