The Land of Israel was divided among the Jewish people in three ways: (1) by population – i.e., the larger the tribe, the more land it received; (2) by lot, which determined which tribe received which area; and (3) through inheritance, by which the fathers’ estates were passed down to their children.
These three methods mirror the three different facets of our relationship with G‑d: (1) We are connected to G‑d in a service-reward relationship. This mirrors the logical division of the land by population. (2) We were chosen by G‑d to be His people, regardless of how well we live up to our side of our contractual relationship with Him. This mirrors the division of the land by lot, which is not dictated by logic. (3) We are connected to G‑d because we are part of Him; since we are part of G‑d, He does not even need to choose us. This mirrors the division of the land by inheritance, for an heir inherits his parents automatically; he does not have to earn his inheritance, nor does his parent need to choose him as their heir.
All three facets of our relationship with G‑d are important, but in the Messianic future our inheritance-relationship with G‑d will become paramount. It is this aspect of our relationship that we should try to emphasize now, as we prepare ourselves for the imminent Messianic Redemption.1
"We are connected to G-d because we are a part of Him"
Thus, our free will is limited to fulfilling His commandments or siding with Satan, who tempts us to challenge G-d. This underscores the importance of discernment in decision-making, ensuring one aligns with what is believed to be God's will, as the opposing force is deemed to be Satan's.
When a biblical text seems at odds with one's reality, such as the fifth commandment to "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you," it can be challenging. Chabad addresses various instances of this non-conformity across numerous pages. Naturally, without access to these interpretations, one might feel adrift in a world filled with confusion.