Moses then reminded the Jewish people that after they heard of G‑d’s plan to keep them in the desert for 40 years, some of them organized their own army and attempted to enter the Land of Israel on their own. But because they went against G‑d’s will and lacked Moses’ leadership, the nations who lived near the border of the land repulsed them.
These Jews had repented from the sin of the spies and now wanted to ascend to the Holy Land. Why was this wrong? We are taught that nothing ever stands in the way of repentance.
The answer is that the Land of Israel could only be conquered with the ark’s presence and Moses’ leadership. Repentance could erase the sins of the people, but it could not change the procedure necessary to acquire the land. Since these people were unwilling to submit to Moses’ leadership and wanted to conquer the land on their own, G‑d rejected their initiative.
The same is true in our day. The Torah has prescribed a precise procedure for the Messianic Redemption – as well as for all forms of personal redemption. Any attempt to bypass steps in the redemptive process is doomed to failure. Hastening the Redemption, just like success in any endeavor, is possible only when our approach conforms with G‑d’s plan. Hence the importance of studying the Torah ourselves and seeking out the guidance of qualified Torah scholars in all aspects of our lives.1
GM,🌻
Rabbi Altein, you are precise! May I add a spiritual perspective to this event - TIME ["by passing steps]." There is a Greek distinction between Kronos time [sequential clock], and Karos time [a perfect moment of opportunity] measurement. The rebellious people [RB] were not just against Moses, but they were also against GD's order in the physical and spiritual realms. In math, short cut accuracy are effective only if the answers are universal. Clocks can't skip seconds and be accurate, nor can your "heart." [RB] "by passed steps" the Kronos [clock], and the Karos [spiritual] time measurement. The spiritual door that GD set for them was closed, but was available to the next generation. TIME is enveloped in the NOW whether past, present, or future. When GD gives an opportunity, you must take it. Torah helps to guide our lives, but also makes us aware of spiritual discernment. GD anointed and gifted Moses The Prophet, the Voice of GD's Laws and Will, Torah, + "Sage" to lead.
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