The B’nei Yisrael (Children of Israel) were on the poise of entering the Promised Land. Yet, they may have been overconfident, because of their recent victory over the two kings, Sichon and Og, who represented the last obstacles for B’nei Yisrael to conquer, before entering the land of Canaan. These kings had challenged the Children of Israel, inasmuch that Sichon and Og, and all their ilk were serving as the protectors of the seven Canaanite nations, of whom would be imperiled by Israel, once B’nei Yisrael entered the Land.
Nevertheless, Sichon and Og were defeated, thereby boosting the morale of B’nei Yisrael. Moshe took advantage of this opportune time to deliver a speech that would last thirty-seven days. His opening words consisted of a veiled rebuke of the nation; i.e., rather, than directly mention their transgressions, he alluded to them by place-names where they had sinned. The subtle nature of the rebuke was designed to prevent the antagonism, that might have occurred on the part of the B’nei Yisrael, if Moses was more direct in pointing out their failures.
This reminder may have inspired them to consider in their own hearts, the nature of their aveiros (sins), eliciting a greater sense of teshuvah (repentance) than had been previously acquired. In like manner, HaShem will send us signs, initially gently reminding us; yet, if we do not hear the wake-up call, it will become harsh. So, “Let us search and try our ways, and return to the L-RD” (Lamentations 3:40).
©2024 Tzvi Fievel all rights reserved
full post: wordsgivelife.substack.com
The Tree of Life 