It suggests that the Holy One, blessed be He, uses two primary attributes to guide the world: justice and singular governance. But what do those really mean?
Let's unpack it. Justice, in this context, isn't just about fairness in a courtroom. It's about the interplay of good and negativity, the consequences of our actions, the entire framework of cause and effect that shapes our lives. Da'at Tevunot posits that the source of this attribute lies in the “hiding of the countenance of His goodness.” It's as if God's complete, overwhelming goodness is deliberately veiled, allowing space for choice, for consequence, for the dance of good and evil to play out.
Now, singular governance – that's a different beast altogether. This is about God's power to rectify creation, to steer things toward perfection, even when, by all accounts, we don't deserve it. Think of it as a divine hand gently (or sometimes not so gently) guiding us towards a better future, regardless of our shortcomings. And get this: this governance operates through the concealment of justice itself! It’s like a hidden hand working behind the scenes, ensuring that ultimately, everything moves towards its intended perfection. The source of this attribute, we're told, is the “rule of his straightforward goodness.” Even when hidden, God's goodness is constantly watching us, always oriented towards our benefit.
So, what's the difference, really? Da'at Tevunot sums it up beautifully: the character of justice is revealed and seen, while the character of governance is concealed and hidden. One is the world we experience directly, with its apparent cause and effect. The other is the unseen hand, the force that nudges us towards our ultimate potential, often in ways we can't fathom.
It makes you wonder, doesn't it? How much of what we see as "fate" or "chance" is actually this hidden governance at play? And how can we, in our own lives, strive to embody both justice and this sense of higher purpose, both fairness and a commitment to a better future, even when the path isn't clear? It's a potent reminder that there's always more than meets the eye, a divine hand guiding us, even in the midst of uncertainty.