Pilpul is the give and take, asking and answering, analyzing and discussing of Torah. The gemara says [nedarim 38] that Moshe Rabbeinu had
tovas ayin [a positive generous feeling] and gave the power of
pilpul over to the Jewish people. The gemara relates elsewhere [temurah 16] that when Moshe died 3000 halachos were forgotten but were restored by Osniel ben Kenaz through his power of pilpul. This was not a one time event. The ability to be
mefalpel ensures the perpetuation of Torah among the Jewish people. The word "
tov" means that it lasts, as the Ramban explains on the pasuk וירא כי טוב. The ten utterances gave the world its original existence while the middah of "
tov" enables the world to continue existing. In the same way the middah of
tovas ayin of Moshe Rabbeinu enabled the Torah to continue existing through the power of pilpul.
[Maran HaRav Hutner ztz"l on the last Shavuos of his life. See Netziv Haamek Davar, Tetzave 27/20 and Yemei Chanuka of Rav Dovid Cohen Rosh Yeshivas Chevron Maamar יג]
When we learn Torah and don't just take things at face value but question and probe we are furthering the Torah's existence on earth. Pilpul is in our hands as a special gift from Moshe. [See also the phenomenal preface to the sefer המדות לחקר ההלכה of Rav Amiel. Off the charts.]
