Regarding the prospect of
entering the Land of Israel, the verse (Devarim 1:22) states: "And all of you
approached me and they said, ’Let’s send men in front of us and they will search
out the land.’"
The lack of faith about their ability to conquer the
land of Israel cast them into a state of confusion. The normal protocol was for
Moshe to send spies to determine the best strategy of how to wage battle. The
fact that they did not wait for Moshe to send spies, reveals that their behavior
was influenced by their anxiety.
Moshe realized that their
insecurity about the outcome of the battle would subject them to the principle:
"A person is led on the path that he so desires to go." In other words, the
negative emotion of fear was an opening for the negative impulseto enter within
their hearts. Accordingly, Moshe recognized that they would ultimately present a
negative report concerning the Land of Israel.
Even worse, Moshe
realized that the influence of the negative influencemight corrupt Yehoshua. In
reference to this the verse says: "And all of you approached me...," implying
that the entire group was suffering from worry. Moshe also knew that once they
were in the gravitational field of the negative impulse, disaster was
unavoidable. All he could do was pray that his beloved disciple, Yehoshua, not
fall into the pessimistic attitude of his brethren.
Faith is the
foundation of Torah. HaShem openly revealed His omnipotence and love for Klal
Yisrael when He redeemed us from Egypt. Therefore, despair is totally
inappropriate for the Jewish people. Hence, if we maintain our faith in HaShem,
the negative impulsewill be unable to gain access to our hearts and deeds. May
we strengthen our faith in Hashem - totally and absolutely. On the merit of our
faith we will see the immediate redemption of Am Yisrael! [Based on Ohr
RaShaz, the Alter of Kelm]
TODAY: Repeat the following verse to yourself
three times: "Hope in HaShem, strengthen yourself and HaShem will encourage you,
and hope in HaShem."
Important Numbers
