A Gentile Who Observes the Torah

[You shall keep my laws and my judgments] by which, in doing them, [a man shall live] (Leviticus 18:5). R. Jeremiah used to say: You ask, “How do we know that even a gentile who observes the Torah is treated like a high priest?” Scripture says: by which, in doing them, [a man shall live].

And does it say, “This is the Torah of priests, Levites, or Israelites”? No, [that] is not written here. Rather: And this is the Torah of humankind, O Lord, God (2 Samuel 7:19). And is it written, “Open, you gates, and let priests, Levites, and Israelites come”? No, that is not written here. Rather: the righteous shall come therein (Psalm 118:20). And is it written, “Sing, priests, Levites, and Israelites”? No, that is not written here. Rather: Sing, righteous ones, in the Lord (Psalm 33:1). And is it written, “Do good, O Lord, to the good priests, Levites, and Israelites”? No, that is not written here. Rather: Do good, O Lord, to the good (Psalm 125:4). Even a gentile who observes the Torah is like a high priest.