"Habibin Yisrael, SheNittan Lahem Keli Hemdah" (the Jewish people are much beloved, because a valuable item was given to them). In addition, to show that they are even more beloved, the precious item that was given to them was the one that was used to create the world.
This precious item is, of course, the Torah. And the fact that it says that it was given, means that it was given as a gift. No money changed hands. As such, just as we receive it as a gift, so too we pass it on to the next generation as a gift. We might be tempted to say "The more you pay the more it's worth". Since we got it for free it is not worth so much in our eyes.
The answer to that is, "This was the item that was used to create the world". How can you put a price on that?
There now follows a fascinating parable that clearly illustrates the point. It is available on the audio at:
http://www.atorahminute.com/files/aboth3-why-was-Torah-given-as-a-gift.mp3
(See Hasdei Aboth, Pereq Shelishi)
