It all boils down to understanding the true meaning of echad – one.
Now, we all know that God is one. The Shema, our central declaration of faith, proclaims, "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one" (Deuteronomy 6:4). But what does that oneness really mean? It's more than just saying God is singular, unique. It’s deeper than saying there’s no other Creator, no other being whose existence is necessary.
The text Da'at Tevunot, which means "Knowing Wisdom," delves into this very question. It argues that understanding God's oneness means recognizing that there is absolutely no other force, no other power, that can rival or even influence Him. It means understanding that God's rule is singular and complete.
As it says in Deuteronomy 4:39, "You have been shown to know that HaShem [the Name, meaning God] is the G-d; there is none other than He alone." The Rabbis, may their memory be a blessing, even extend this to the realm of magic! As the Talmud (Sanhedrin 67a) teaches us, God's power is so absolute that even sorcery can't supersede His will. Think about that for a second.
It's not enough to simply acknowledge God's existence. We have to internalize that there’s no leader or ruler other than Him, no guide to His world or to any creation in His world other than Him. Nothing can hold back His hand or prevent His will.
Deuteronomy 32:39 echoes this powerfully: "See now that I, I am He, and there is no G-d with me; I bring death and give life; I wound and I heal, and none can be saved from my hand." And the book of Job (23:13) similarly proclaims, "And He is singular, and who can turn Him back? That which He wants, He does." We testify before Him, "When He suddenly takes away, who can turn Him back? Who would say to Him, 'What shall He do?'" (Job 9:12).
Think about the implications of this. If God's control is truly absolute, then everything that happens – even the seemingly random, unfair, and tragic events – are ultimately within His purview. This doesn't mean that God causes suffering (that's a whole other discussion!), but it does mean that nothing happens outside of His awareness and ultimate plan.
Why is this so important? Because, as Da'at Tevunot emphasizes, this understanding is a "great fundamental principle for our certain faith." It's the bedrock upon which we build our relationship with God. Believing in a God who is limited, who is subject to other forces, is fundamentally different from believing in a God whose power is absolute and all-encompassing.
So, the next time you're feeling lost, confused, or like you're at the mercy of forces beyond your control, remember this: God's oneness means His rule is complete. There's nothing that can happen without His knowledge and permission. And while we may not always understand His ways, we can trust that He is ultimately in control.