Before the last plague of "The Slaying of the Firstborn
of Each Egyptian," HaShem instructed B'nei Yisrael to mark their own
doorposts with a stripe of blood, as stated in the verse: "And I will see
the blood and pass over you."
However, since HaShem is "All-Knowing," He does
need a distinguishing mark to identify the Jewish houses. Moreover, blood is
usually associated with death. If so, (1) why was did HaShem require B'nei
Yisrael to mark their houses, and (2) why was blood chosen as the sign that
would spare their lives?
The deliverance of B'nei Yisrael required that they trust in
Hashem. Therefore, HaShem provided them with a means to demonstrate their trust
in Him in order to grant them the merit of deliverance. Accordingly, HaShem
asked B'nei Yisrael to mark their doorposts with blood, even though blood is
usually a "bad omen." Trusting in HaShem's commandment, despite the
negative connotation of blood, awakened their merit for HaShem to miraculously
save them.
One of the pitfalls of human nature is to fear negative
signs. However, when we trust in HaShem
and observe His Mitzvoth, even the most seemingly "negative" sign
will be the genesis of great goodness.
Therefore, let us demonstrate our steadfast trust in HaShem
by interpreting EVERYTHING FOR THE GOOD. As a result of our faith in HaShem, we
will merit to see countless miracles, Divine compassion, and the redemption of
B'nei Yisrael.
[Based on Magid Mesharim of Rav Yoseph Cairo]
TODAY: Convert " negative signs" into the merit of
deliverance, by trusting in HaShem.
www.salantfoundation.org
Please share eMussar with a family member or friend!
eMussar" Copyright © 2008 by Rabbi Zvi Miller and the
Salant Foundation
Important Numbers
