As Heard From Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

“That Hashem your G-d carried you just as a man carries his son.” (1:31)

This is a most significant declaration.

Israel, and Israel alone is Hashem’s son, as He had declared: “My son My firstborn is Yisrael” (Shemot 4:22) and “Send forth My son.” (ibid. 4:23)

All the severe castigations and the heavy chastisements (which our enemies delight in pointing out how the Israelites failed) were the strongest demonstrations of Hashem’s love. “And you should know with your heart that just as a man chastises his son, so does Hashem your G-d chastise you.” (8:5)

Although this generation was privileged to see and to be close to Hashem more than any other generation, yet the principle that Hashem bears Yisrael in His arms as His son continues to hold for all their generations.

This is an astonishing statement which we ourselves would never have dared to say. Yet Hashem declares openly for the entire world to hear that the loyal and observant Jewish nation is held in His arms as a father holds his beloved child.

“And you spoke up and said: We have sinned to Hashem. We shall go up and fight, as all that Hashem commanded us.” (1:41)

“And Hashem said to me, say to them, you shall not go up.” (1:42)

Here we see a remarkable lesson. The people regretted their previous attitude and they confessed their Sin (”We have sinned”), and now they were ready to perform the duty which they had before feared to do. Why was their repentance rejected, and Hashem forbade them to go?

We are accustomed to the attitude that although we postpone we can always repent and accomplish even later whatever we should have done earlier.

But here we learn that Hashem often offers certain opportunities at a certain time, and if not utilized by us, the opportunity is lost forever. Whatever we do subsequently to fulfill our duty is not the same as having done it at the proper time.

But here there was an especial reason why Hashem rejected their offer to obey, for His intention was to keep the Nation together under the direct tutelage of Moshe for 40 years in the Wilderness.

Quoted from “Fortunate Nation” by Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

Shabbat Shalom

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