PARSHAT PINCHAS 5784 – AFTER THE BAD PROPHECIES WERE FULFILLED, NOW COMES THE GOOD PART

בס”ד

In our Torah portion, Pinchas, this week’s prophetic reading in Jeremiah 1 (Haptara) has a message to all humanity. The prohibition of idol worship in the Seven Noahide Laws is intrinsically linked to Jeremiah 1:5. Both emphasize the importance of worshiping G-d and rejecting false idols. The verse says, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” This verse teaches that G-d knew Jeremiah before he was born and had a specific mission for him. Similarly, the Seven Noahide Laws suggest a divine plan and purpose for every human being. Jeremiah’s mission was universal; he was to convey G-d’s message to all nations, calling for the worship of G-d.

Jeremiah’s universal mission as a prophet to the nations ensures that individuals maintain a direct and sincere relationship with G-d Himself, free from the distortions and falsehoods of idolatry. As a prophet, Jeremiah frequently warned against idolatry, calling people to abandon false gods and return to the worship of G-d. His mission was to guide the nations; the Noahide Laws align with Jeremiah’s teachings. Both seek to eradicate idolatry and promote the worship of G-d.

Just as Jeremiah was appointed to be a prophet to all nations, the Seven Noahide Laws are intended for all of humanity. Both reflect a universal responsibility that lies upon every human being and a divine expectation for moral behavior among all people. Jeremiah’s role as a prophet was to guide and lead people towards righteousness. The Seven Noahide Laws serve a similar function, providing non-Jews with a set of divine guidelines. The observance of the Seven Noahide Laws is a way for non-Jews to sanctify their lives and align themselves with divine will. This underscores the idea that G-d’s guidance and expectations extend to all of humanity.

In our generation, after the negative prophecies of Jeremiah were fulfilled after thousands of years of exile, we are completely sure that the positive prophecy about redemption is about to be fully fulfilled soon.

By Rabbi Moshe Bernstein

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