PARSHAT CHUKAT 5785 – DIVINE PROTECTION AND PROFOUND GRATITUDE

בס”ד

Parashat Chukat reveals the Divine intervention in warfare through the miracle of the Arnon River. The Torah describes how the Israelites, on their journey, were targeted by the Amorites lying in ambush within gorges. Yet, G-d orchestrated a remarkable salvation: the mountains miraculously converged, trapping and eliminating the hidden enemy in between. The Israelites only grasped the full extent of this natural-seeming miracle when their accompanying well-spring of Miriam, revealed the Amorite bodies. This event underscores G-d’s active providence, demonstrating how He fights battles for His people even through seemingly natural events.

This ancient miracle finds powerful parallels in contemporary events, exemplifying ongoing Divine rescue. In the 12-Day War (known as “Am Kalavi” in Hebrew), the people of Israel experienced salvation from one of the most dangerous strategic threats. These astonishing deliverances, against overwhelming odds, point to continuous Divine providence and miracles unfolding within the framework of natural reality, much like the Arnon miracles of rescue. Israel’s enduring resilience stands as a modern testament to G-d’s continuous miraculous protection.

In the wake of the Arnon miracle, the Israelites erupted in a song of profound thanksgiving. This reminds us that gratitude to G-d is part of our spiritual lives. A continuous state of thanksgiving expresses our unwavering faith in G-d’s personal providence, acknowledging that every blessing and salvation flows directly from Him.

This theme of thanksgiving holds universal significance, intrinsically related to the Seven Noahide Commandments. These 7 fundamental values, given to all humanity, include the obligation to believe in and worship one G-d, and the prohibition of idolatry. Thanksgiving to G-d is a direct, living expression of this core faith. When Noahides recognize G-d as the sole Creator, Guide, and Sustainer of the world, they are naturally led to offer Him thanks for their very existence, for the good He bestows, and for the ongoing salvations in their lives.

Such thankfulness comes from the awareness that the Divine life-force actively and continually recreates and revivifies all creatures, as its constant presence is essential for their existence. Should this life-force abandon any created being for even a brief moment, that being would instantly revert to absolute nothingness. Thus, consistent thankfulness becomes a crucial pillar in the life of a Noahide striving to fulfill G-d’s will and draw closer to Him.

Sources: Numbers 21:10-20.

By Rabbi Moshe Bernstein

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