That’s kind of how the Jewish tradition sees things. And nowhere is this more apparent than in the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua. It's a powerful moment, heavy with responsibility and destiny.
Imagine Joshua, overwhelmed by the task ahead, prostrating himself before Moses. According to Ginzberg's retelling in Legends of the Jews, Moses gently raises him, saying, "Do not underestimate thyself, O Joshua, but be light of heart, and pay heed to my words." It's a moment of reassurance, but also a profound lesson in understanding God's plan.
Moses explains that God created all the nations of the universe, including Israel. And He didn’t just create them, He foresaw them. From the very beginning of creation to the end of the world, God saw everything, overlooked nothing. Everything was foreordained. Now, this might sound a bit deterministic, right? Like, do we even have a choice? But the point Moses is making is about the sheer scope of God's vision.
Moses continues, "He appointed me for them and for their sins, that for them I might make prayer and exhortation. Not for my fitness or my strength was I chosen, but only through the grace of His mercy and His long-suffering." Moses is emphasizing that his leadership wasn't about his own merit, but about God's grace. It's a crucial point about humility and divine purpose.
He then assures Joshua – and by extension, the people – that their victory over the heathens won't be because of their own strength, but because of God's will. "For I assure thee, Joshua, not on account of the excellence of this people wilt thou destroy the heathens; all the fastnesses of heaven and the foundations of the universe were created and approved by God, and are beneath the ring of His right hand." This reminds us that everything, even the most seemingly solid foundations, are ultimately in God's hands.
But here's the kicker: Moses warns that those who uphold God's commandments will prosper, while those who sin will face punishment at the hands of the heathens. But, and this is a big but, complete destruction is impossible. Why? Because God foresaw everything, and His covenant is firmly founded, "in accordance with the oath which He swore to the Patriarchs." There's a deep sense of continuity and unbreakable promise here.
And then, a glimmer of hope for the future: "Then the hands of the angel will be filled and he will be appointed chief, and he will forthwith avenge them of their enemies." This suggests that even in times of hardship, divine intervention is possible. An angel, acting as God's agent, will rise to defend them.
What does it all mean? Maybe that we're all part of a larger tapestry, woven by a divine hand. We have free will, yes, but we also operate within a framework of divine foresight and covenant. And even when we stumble, the promise remains – a promise of eventual redemption and justice. So, take heart, and remember that even in the face of daunting challenges, we are never truly alone in this story.