They Complain Because They Trust You
About this episode
The episode explores the deep love and trust Bnei Yisroel had for Moshe Rabbeinu as they faced the prospect of war and his impending death.
Idea For Parshas Mattos When Hashem commanded Bnei Yisroel to take revenge against Midyan, He told Moshe Rabbeinu that after this war, his mission in this world would be complete and he would pass on. Upon realizing that Moshe’s passing was tied to their success in battle, Bnei Yisroel hesitated to go to war—not out of fear, but out of a deep love for Moshe. They wanted to delay the war and prolong Moshe’s life as much as possible. Rashi (Bamidbar 31:5) points out how remarkable this is: “See how beloved the shepherd is to his flock! Until now, Moshe felt threatened that Bnei Yisroel wanted to kill him, blaming him for their troubles in the desert. Now, when they realize he’s about to die, they want to do everything possible to keep him alive.” The Shlah Hakadosh asks, why is it a praise that up until now, Moshe felt threatened that Bnei Yisroel wanted to kill him? That doesn't show love at all! There was once a man in a shtetl who approached the local matchmaker and asked, “Find me a wife who is always happy, who always sees the positive in life.” The matchmaker found him such a woman, and they married. But not long after, she began to voice her disappointments and frustrations…
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