Let’s turn to Bamidbar Rabbah, a fascinating collection of rabbinic interpretations on the Book of Numbers. In Bamidbar Rabbah 12, we find a powerful idea presented by Rabbi Avin. He draws a striking contrast between the ways of the Holy One, blessed be He, and the ways of earthly kings.

Think about it: When a king of flesh and blood enters a province, what happens? The people shower him with praise, offer him gifts, and demonstrate their loyalty. Only after all this adulation does the king typically begin to address their needs. He might commission public works, improve infrastructure, or grant favors. The king's actions are contingent on the people's initial display of honor.

But, Rabbi Avin points out, the Holy One doesn't operate like that at all! The Divine’s approach is fundamentally different.

The crucial point? God doesn’t wait for us to build a metaphorical (or literal!) tabernacle before showering us with blessings. He doesn't demand tribute or require accolades as a prerequisite for grace. Instead, the blessings come first.

Rabbi Avin illustrates this with a powerful example from the Torah. Consider the priestly blessing, the Birkat Kohanim: "May the Lord bless you and protect you" (Numbers 6:24). This blessing, a cornerstone of Jewish tradition, was given before the Israelites even began constructing the Tabernacle, the Mishkan. The Mishkan, that portable sanctuary in the desert, wasn’t completed until after the blessing was bestowed.

"It was on the day that [Moses] concluded..." (Numbers 7:1) – only after the blessings had already been given!

What does this signify? It suggests that God's generosity isn't contingent on our actions or our worthiness. It flows from a place of pure, unadulterated love and compassion. God's blessings are a given, a foundational aspect of our relationship with the Divine.

This is a profound idea. It reframes our understanding of the Divine-human connection. It moves us away from a transactional model – "I do this, therefore God does that" – and towards a relationship based on inherent worth and unconditional love. We are blessed not because we earned it, but because we are.

So, the next time you find yourself caught in the trap of feeling unworthy, remember Rabbi Avin's words. Remember the Birkat Kohanim. Remember that the blessings often come first. It's a powerful reminder that we are loved and cherished, not for what we do, but for who we are. And that, perhaps, is the greatest blessing of all.