Moses here referred prophetically to a non-Jewish nation who pretended to be the Jewish people’s ally after witnessing the miraculous fall of Jericho.
These verses encapsulate the attitudes that we, as Jews, should cultivate vis-à-vis our relationship with the rest of humanity. First, we must realize that we have a unique purpose in this world that sets us apart. We are Jews intrinsically, because of the mission that G‑d has charged us with – not because of anything that others may say about us or do to us.
With this self-assurance, we can then proceed to help the rest of humanity realize its potential. Respectfully, but firmly, we must help them eliminate any residual negativity or antagonism toward Divinity. Then, we can show them how to join us in bringing the world to its ultimate fulfillment, transforming it into G‑d’s true home.1
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