בס "ד

UNE RÉFLEXION SUR PARSHAT SHLACH 5786

In Numbers 13:18-20, we read that Moses sent the spies:

“See what kind of land it is, and the people who live in it: are they strong or weak, few or many? Is the land in which they live good or bad? Are the cities open or fortified? Is the soil rich or poor? Are there trees? Bring back some of the fruit of the land.”

At first glance, this seems like a simple task: a survey of the Promised Land. But those who read the classical commentaries quickly realize that Moses was not acting out of doubt. The land had already been promised by G-d — a land “flowing with milk and honey.” Why, then, these questions?

A Question Without Doubt

According to Rashi on Numbers 13:19 , the term “good” is not a general evaluation but refers to concrete features: the quality of the water and the livability of the land. Ibn Ezra and Nachmanides (ibid) interpret it practically: climate, fertility, and agricultural potential. Sforno emphasizes water quality.

It becomes clear: Moses was not asking si the land was good, but in what way it was good — or challenging.

Unpacking the Word “Good”

Nachmanides (ibid) emphasizes that “good” is not a simple, one-dimensional term. It is a broad concept encompassing fertility, wealth, stability, and quality of life. That is why Moses does not stop at the single question. He breaks it down:

What at first seems like a simple question turns into an invitation for careful observation. Goodness is never superficial — it requires attention, understanding, and preparation.

A concrete example of something that appears good but can be negative: a land with abundant crops, flourishing cities, and plentiful rivers. At first, everything seems perfect. But this abundance may lead the inhabitants — or even the Israelites — to pride, forgetting that their blessings come from God. The good, in this case, becomes a challenge, an “enemy in disguise” that can draw us away from G-d.

Conversely, what seems bad can hide goodness. A land with rugged mountains or barren plains may appear harsh and difficult. Yet, it forces people to cooperate, persevere, and rely on G-d. What initially seems like a threat can actually foster spiritual growth and character development.

The Hidden Good in Everything

This idea is also found in the Baal Shem Tov in the Kesser Shem Tov:

“In every physical thing there is good and evil — the physicality of it is evil, and the Divine energy which is its source is good. When a person connects to the Divine source within any physical thing, even something that seems ‘evil’ or material, it can be transformed and elevated.”
(https://kabbalahwisdom.org/the-practical-wisdom-of-the-baal-shem-tov)

Everything in the world, even what appears heavy, limiting, or negative, contains a hidden divine core. What we perceive as “evil” is often only a veil over an inner good, waiting to be revealed through awareness and action.

Life as a Battlefield of Tests

This idea is further developed in Mesillat Yesharim (Chapter 1:8), which reframes the entire human condition as a continuous test:

It follows that man is truly placed within a great and powerful battle, for all matters of this world, whether for good or for bad, are tests for a person. Poverty on one side and wealth on the other, as Solomon said (Proverbs 30): “Lest I be full and deny You, and say: ‘Who is the Lord?’ or lest I be poor and steal…” Peace and tranquility on one side, and suffering on the other, until the battle is waged against him from every direction.

Thus, man is placed in the midst of a raging battlefield. Everything in life — whether experienced as good or bad — is a test. Poverty on one side and wealth on the other. Comfort on one side and suffering on the other. The struggle surrounds a person from every direction.

In this framing, nothing is neutral. Both abundance and lack, ease and difficulty, are conditions through which a person is tested and refined.

The Power of Perception

Moses also asked about the people: “Are they strong or weak?” According to the Lubavicher Rebbe (1. Likutei Sichot, vol. 4, p. 1314. Daily Wisdom Volume 3. Inspiring insights on the Torah portion from the Lubavitcher Rebbe   p 298) this teaches a fundamental truth: in confronting the material world — our “enemy” that tries to pull us away from G-d — the following applies:

“No matter how strong and overwhelming this materiality appears, if we dedicate ourselves fully to the battle, the enemy will be weakened by our resolve. This is why Moses mentions ‘strong’ before ‘weak’: we must be prepared for the challenge, and through our efforts it will ultimately be overcome.”

The good can thus be challenging, and the bad can conceal hidden good. Both invite us to observe, reflect, and actively connect with G-d.

The Lesson for Today

Moses’ words to the spies invite us to look deeper:

“Good” is never simple or superficial. It calls for observation, understanding, and connection with the source of all that exists. By learning to see what lies behind the apparent negative, we can transform life and discover divine light — even in the most unexpected places.

Par Angelique Sijbolts
Avec mes remerciements au rabbin Tani Burton


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