Devarim Rabbah, a collection of rabbinic teachings on the Book of Deuteronomy, opens a window into just such a possibility. It begins with the verse, "When you approach a city…" but quickly pivots to a deeper, more profound question about the very nature of divine decree and human intervention. The verse from Job (22:28), "You will utter a decree, and it will become fulfilled for you…" becomes the key.

The Rabbis, in this midrash, link this verse to the infamous episode of the Golden Calf. Remember that story? The Israelites, impatient with Moses's absence on Mount Sinai, create a golden idol. God, understandably, is furious. "I will smite them with pestilence [dever] and destroy them," God tells Moses, as we read in Numbers 14:12.

But what does "destroy them" even mean in this context?

Here's where it gets fascinating. God isn't talking about swords and spears, according to this interpretation. No, no. It's far more fundamental. “Just as I created My world with a word [davar]," God says, "so I will do to them; I will pronounce a word [davar] from My mouth and kill them.” Think about that for a second. The very word that created can also destroy. A word – davar – is the essence of divine power.

And then there's this other intriguing interpretation of "veorishenu," "I will destroy them." God says to Moses, "I will bequeath [morish] them to you, and I will produce others out of you." (Numbers 14:12) So, not only would God wipe out the current generation, but from Moses himself, a new nation would arise. Heavy stuff, right?

But Moses, ever the advocate, pleads for his people. He reminds God, as Numbers 14:14 tells us, that the people saw God "with their very eyes [ayin be’ayin]." Rav Aḥa, quoting Rabbi Shimon ben Lakish, explains that Moses is saying, "Master of the universe, Your attribute of justice is evenly balanced [me’uyan] on the scales.” It’s a cosmic negotiation! "You say: ‘I will smite them with pestilence,’ but I say: ‘Please pardon’" (Numbers 14:19).

It's a showdown! Who will prevail?

Rabbi Berekhya takes it even further: God says to Moses, "By your life, you have nullified Mine [My decree], and yours has been maintained.” Wow. God essentially acknowledges that Moses's plea has overridden the divine decree. We even have biblical proof: "The Lord said: I have pardoned in accordance with your word" (Numbers 14:20).

The midrash then shifts gears slightly, offering another take on the power of Moses's decrees. Rabbi Yehoshua of Sikhnin, in the name of Rabbi Levi, suggests that everything Moses decreed, God agreed with. Think about the breaking of the tablets. God didn't tell Moses to do that! Moses, in his righteous anger at the sight of the Golden Calf, shattered them himself. Yet, God affirmed this action, saying, "“[The Tablets] that you shattered [asher shibarta] – more [yishar] power to you that you have shattered them." (Exodus 34:1)

But it's not a one-way street. God tells Moses to wage war with Sihon (Deuteronomy 2:24), but Moses, ever the diplomat, sends messengers of peace first (Deuteronomy 2:26). God, in turn, honors Moses's approach: “By your life, I will fulfill your decree: Every war that they wage, they shall start off only with an offer of peace.” Hence the verse, "When you approach a city…"

So, what does it all mean?

This passage from Devarim Rabbah isn't just about a historical event. It's about the incredible, almost unbelievable power that humans can wield, even against divine decree. It’s about the power of advocacy, the strength of a well-placed word, and the delicate balance between divine will and human action. It makes you wonder, doesn't it? What decrees are we uttering, consciously or unconsciously, into the world? And what kind of world are we creating with our words?