But the story of the Israelite soldiers after their victory over Midian, as told in Legends of the Jews, is something else entirely.
These weren't your typical conquerors. They came back to camp laden with treasures, yes, but with a profound sense of responsibility. Instead of hoarding the booty, they turned it all over for fair distribution. Can you imagine that level of selflessness?
And it wasn't just about the material stuff. These men, according to the legends, were deeply committed to their faith. Even in the heat of battle, they meticulously observed religious practices. The stories say they never missed even the smallest ritual, like putting on their tefillin (phylacteries) correctly – the head before the arm. This shows a deep commitment.
But perhaps the most fascinating part of the story revolves around their interactions with the Midianite women. Remember the role these women played in tempting the Israelites, leading them astray? The Israelites were keenly aware of the dangers of succumbing to temptation.
Ginzberg, drawing from various Midrashic sources in Legends of the Jews, recounts a rather…unusual method they employed to avoid sin. When they entered houses to collect the spoils, they went in pairs. One man would blacken the faces of the Midianite women, while the other seized their ornaments.
"Are we not creatures of God?" the Midianite women would cry, according to the tale. And the Israelites would respond, "Were you not the cause of so many of our deaths?"
Now, this raises some questions, doesn’t it? It sounds harsh to our modern ears, maybe even cruel. But the intent, as the story presents it, was to avoid succumbing to the same temptations that had previously led to disaster. It was about maintaining discipline and preventing further spiritual compromise.
The story takes another unexpected turn when the soldiers approach Moses. They declare that not a single man among them had committed a sin or an unchaste action. And yet, they bring an offering, a korban, to make atonement for their souls.
Moses, understandably confused, questions them. "What need of atonement is there if no man among you is guilty of sin?" he asks.
Their response is incredibly insightful. They admit that even though they didn't commit any outright sins with the Midianite women, the "heat of passion" was kindled in them when they touched the women. Even the temptation, even the stirring of desire, was enough to warrant atonement in their eyes. They strived for a higher level of holiness.
Moses, impressed by their piety and honesty, praises them. He recognized that controlling oneself in the face of temptation is itself a pious deed, let alone the righteous actions of those who remained completely chaste. It was an example of kedusha, holiness, in action.
What does this ancient story tell us today? It's not just about the literal interpretation of the events. It's about the constant struggle to maintain integrity, even in the face of temptation. It's about the importance of self-awareness and the recognition that even the smallest inclinations can have a profound impact on our spiritual well-being. As we find in Midrash Rabbah, even the best of us are subject to temptation and need to be vigilant.
And perhaps most importantly, it's about the power of community and accountability. The Israelite soldiers worked in pairs, supporting each other in their commitment to righteousness. Maybe that's the key: we don't have to go it alone. We can lean on each other, learn from each other, and strive for a higher standard of living together.