בס”ד
Trust in G-d: The Lesson of Moses’ Fear
This blog provides a summary of the lessons taught by Rabbi Serber, based on different talks by the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, published in Likutey Sichot, volume 36, page 1.
The topic of the lesson is the fear Moses experienced when he discovered that people knew he killed an Egyptian and, right after that, Pharaoh wanted to kill him. Was his reaction correct? Should we always trust fully in G-d regardless of the situation? What does it really mean to trust in G-d? It is recommended to follow the full lessons, as a blog can never fully capture the depth of the teachings.
Moses’ Fear: Two Explanations According to Rashi
Most people are familiar with the story where Moses, after killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave, discovers that Pharaoh wanted to kill him (Exodus 2). Rashi offers two explanations for Moses’ fear:
- Peshat (the simple explanation): Moses was afraid for his life because the news of his deed had leaked, and Pharaoh wanted to kill him.
- Midrash (the deeper explanation): Moses was concerned about the fate of the Israelites. He feared that they might not be worthy of redemption, given the negative attitude that some of the Israelites had towards the redemption, such as their bad behavior, as reported by the dalturim (slanderers).
Rashi’s decision to include the Midrashic explanation, even though there are no direct indications in the text for this interpretation, highlights an important point: the fear Moses experienced was not only related to physical danger but also to the spiritual condition of the people.
To fear or not to fear…
Our sages recall that two people got promised that He would be with them and still they feared. Jacob and Moses.
It is an argument between our Sages whether this fear was correct or not. One opinion holds that it was correct because they were afraid that maybe they had committed actions for which they would not merit G-d’s salvation.
According to this opinion fear is appropriate, as there is no one on earth so righteous that they do not need to worry about the mistakes they might have made. As we read in Ecclesiastes 7:20:
“For there is not a righteous man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.”
(כִּי אָדָם, אֵין צַדִּיק בָּאָרֶץ–אֲשֶׁר יַעֲשֶׂה-טּוֹב, וְלֹא יֶחֱטָא)
The other opinion holds that even though they might have had reasons to think they would not merit G-d’s salvation, they should have fully trusted G-d, because He himself promised He would be with them.
Analyzing Moses’s fear according to the second explanation, comes out he had a lack in trust in G-d.
What is the definition of Trust in G-d?
In Hebrew, trust is called bitachon. The definition of this concept is not just the mere belief that everything comes from G-d.
Rather it is a feeling of complete tranquility and certainty that G-d is going to act good with the person regardless of the situation and the merits that the person may have.
This does not mean the person is unaware of his own shortcomings or that he’s not taking responsibility for his actions. It means that despite the awareness that there may be punishment for mistakes, the person relies on G-d in complete peace and trust.
Trust in G-d: do something!
However, what is the source for such tranquility and certainty that you’ll receive the revealed and clear goodness of G-d regardless of the situation?
Trust in G-d is indeed an active task, a mitzvah, that has to be done.
The Rebbe quotes a saying by one of the previous Rebbeim of Chabad:
“Tracht gut, vet zayn gut” (Think good, and it will be good).
It is the active act of placing your burdens on G-d and being positive in the thinking that actually generates the positive answer from above.
Trust in G-d is a process where one does not just believe that G-d is good and surrenders fully to Him. It means no longer relying on one’s own strength, means, or calculations. Instead, one casts their worries and burdens upon G-d and trusts that He will take care of everything.
This active trust ensures that G-d will act in accordance with this surrender. When someone truly trusts in G-d, they will be helped, even if they do not deserve it. This trust causes G-d to act with grace and mercy, even if the person does not deserve such mercy by human standards.
Moses and Pharaoh
This leads to the idea that if Moses would have not feared, Pharaoh would have not heard that he killed an Egyptian.
It was Moses’s worry and fear that caused the effect of Pharaoh finding out about Moses’s action.
The Lesson of the Exodus from Egypt: Trust and Redemption
There is a direct connection between trust in G-d and the redemption of Israel from slavery in Egypt. The trust of the people of Israel in G-d was the key to their redemption. This trust brought them ultimate salvation, despite the harsh conditions they faced. Just as Israel’s trust led them out of slavery, so too will our trust in G-d lead to the ultimate and complete redemption of the people of Israel from the final exile.
This trust is not just an abstract idea but a practical and deeply rooted conviction that is expressed through actions of trust and devotion. Trust in the proximity of G-d’s salvation is essential for the coming of the Messiah. Just as Israel was saved in the time of the Exodus through their trust in G-d, so will the trust of the people in the Messiah bring the ultimate, complete redemption.
Conclusion: Trust as the Key to Blessing and Redemption
The lesson we can learn from Moses’ fear is clear: despite all the good deeds we do, we may sometimes worry about the consequences of our mistakes or the situation we find ourselves in. But true trust in G-d requires us to let go of our worries and fears and rely completely on Him. When we do this, G-d will act in accordance with our trust and save us, even if we do not deserve it. This trust is not only an important virtue but also the key to redemption, both on a personal and global level.
Made summary by Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks to Rabbi Tuvia Serber for his inspiring classes and feedback
Sources:
Likutey Sichot, volume 36, page 1.
Text Mechon Mamre.org
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