Torah Insights for Shabbat Parashat Matot-Masei 5758

July 25, 1998

Rabbi Abraham Kupchik

In the parshah of Matos, G-d commands Moshe to "exact the vengeance of the children of Israel from the Midyanites," for their aggression toward the Jewish nation. This would be Moshe’s last mission. Afterwards, G-d tells him, "You will be gathered to your people" in death.

It would seem advantageous for Moshe to have delayed the war against Midyan as long as possible. But Moshe immediately exhorts the Jewish people "to exact the vengeance of G-d upon Midyan."

Rashi, quoting the Midrash, remarks that even though Moshe knew that his death would follow the completion of this matter, he carried it out with joy and did not delay.

A leader, especially one who leads the Jewish people, must overlook personal advantages—even if it means relinquishing his life. Moshe was asked to demonstrate for all generations the position of Jewish leadership.

Although Hashem referred to this war as "the vengeance of the children of Israel," Moshe calls it "the vengeance of G-d." Rashi explains that "one who stands before Israel is considered to be standing before G-d."

The Jewish people represent G-d in this world, and those who harm them are displaying a lack of faith in G-d. To carry the designation, Jew, is to be a representative of G-d.

Thus, Moshe presents G-d’s command to the Jewish people as a lesson for all Jews to know that their purpose in life is primarily to represent the existence of G-d. To defend the honor of the children of Israel is to carry out the mitzvah of sanctifying G-d’s name.

Rashi offers two reasons why Midyan, and not Mo’av, is singled out for revenge by Israel.

The Moavites were afraid of what the Jewish people might do to them. They were genuinely frightened by the prospects of being conquered by this new nation. So they recruited the Midyanites to help them. But Midyan had no reason to become involved in a fight that wasn’t theirs.

Additionally, two great figures would emerge from Mo’av, Ruth and Na’amah the Ammonite. Midyan, though, offered no redeeming future benefits to Israel.

We learn from the war with Midyan that a country which offers nothing of value to our nation, and seeks only recognition for itself and is ready to abuse the name of G-d for this purpose, has no reason to exist and must be made an example for the rest of the world.

Moshe, at the same time, has to become the example of the selfless leader of the Jews, whose only thrust is to make the Jewish people a G-dly nation.

Rabbi Abraham Kupchik

Rabbi Kupchik is rabbi of Congregation Beth-El of Long Beach in Long Beach, New York.