The text opens with God's command to Moses: "Take the vengeance of the children of Israel against the Midianites; then you will be gathered to your people" (Numbers 31:2). It seems straightforward. Avenge Israel, and then, well, your time will come.
But Rabbi Yehuda, in his interpretation, sees a deeper implication. He suggests that Moses could have prolonged his life. : God links Moses' death to the completion of this mission against the Midianites. Rabbi Yehuda posits that if Moses had somehow delayed or avoided this mission, he might have lived longer.
So why didn't he? That's where Moses' extraordinary character shines through. As Bamidbar Rabbah emphasizes, this isn't about tricking death. It's about Moses' unwavering dedication to his people and to God's will. He wasn't willing to put his own life ahead of what he believed was right for Israel. Can you imagine that kind of selflessness?
Immediately after receiving the divine command, "Moses spoke to the people, saying: Select from among you men for the army" (Numbers 31:3). The text highlights that these "men" were chosen for their righteousness. The verse specifies "anashim," (men) and the Rabbis connect this to other verses like Exodus 17:9 where it says "Choose men for us," and Job 4:13, hinting at prophetic abilities. The implication? Moses selected individuals not just for their military prowess, but for their spiritual and moral strength.
Now, here's where it gets even more interesting. Notice the subtle shift in language. God says, "The vengeance of the children of Israel," but Moses says, "To wreak the Lord's vengeance against Midian" (Numbers 31:3). Why the change?
The text explains that God saw the conflict as justice for what the Midianites had done to the Israelites. But Moses, in his profound understanding of the situation, elevates it. He argues that the Midianites didn't hate the Israelites because they were uncircumcised or idolaters. No, their hatred stemmed from the Torah and mitzvot (commandments) that God had given them. In essence, Moses says: "Master of the universe, they persecute us only due to the Torah and mitzvot that You gave to us. Therefore, it is Your vengeance!"
So, for Moses, this wasn't just about avenging a wrong done to Israel. It was about defending God's honor, about upholding the values of the Torah. It was about something far greater than himself. He sees it as a defense of God's very essence!
What does this all mean for us? Well, it's a powerful reminder that true leadership isn't about self-preservation. It's about putting higher principles first, even when it comes at a personal cost. It's about recognizing that sometimes, the battles we fight are not just for ourselves, but for something far greater.