When a human king celebrates a special occasion, like a wedding, he shares his wealth and joy. But Sifrei Devarim, in its commentary on Deuteronomy 33:2, challenges this very human analogy. "And He came from the myriads of His holy ones" doesn't mean God is like a king showing off all his possessions. Instead, it emphasizes that God's presence is fundamentally different. God doesn't reveal everything, not even to His most holy beings.
There's another interpretation, a powerful one. A human king, surrounded by his court, might be accompanied by people who are taller, stronger, or even more handsome than he is. But the Sifrei Devarim contrasts this with God's uniqueness: "He is an oth (אות), distinctive, in the midst of the myriads of His holy ones." The word oth here means a sign, a distinguishing mark. God isn't just among the holy ones; He stands out from them.
Think about the splitting of the Red Sea. As we learn in Exodus 15:2, the Israelites, witnessing God's power, immediately recognized Him: "This is My G-d and I will extol Him; the G-d of my father, and I will exalt Him." God's presence was unmistakable.
This recognition sparks a fascinating dialogue with the nations of the world. In Song of Songs 5:9, they ask Israel, "How does your Beloved differ from all others?" Why are you so dedicated, so willing to sacrifice everything? The midrash sees in the word alamoth (עַלְמָוֶת) in Song of Songs 1:3 a hidden meaning: al maveth—"above death." Israel's love for God transcends even death itself, as we see echoed in Psalms 44:23: "For because of You we are killed all of the day."
The nations, impressed by Israel's devotion, tempt them: "You are all comely; you are all strong – come and intermarry with us!" But Israel, unwavering in their faith, responds by describing the unique beauty and glory of God. They recite the praises found in Song of Songs 5:10-16: "My Beloved is pure and ruddy, distinctive among a myriad. His head is fine gold … His eyes are like doves … His legs are pillars of marble … His palate is sweet …"
Hearing this, the nations are captivated and plead, "Let us come with you" (Song of Songs 6:1). They are drawn to the beauty and power that Israel describes. But Israel firmly declares, "You have no portion in Him. I am my Beloved's and my Beloved is mine" (Song of Songs 6:3). The relationship between Israel and God is exclusive, a bond of love and devotion that others cannot simply join.
This passage from Sifrei Devarim isn't just about God's appearance or power. It's about the unique relationship between God and the Jewish people, a relationship defined by love, sacrifice, and an unwavering recognition of God's distinctiveness in the world. It's a reminder that even when surrounded by the "myriads of His holy ones," God remains uniquely, undeniably, Himself.
What does it mean for us, today, to recognize that distinctiveness? How do we keep that relationship alive, even in a world that often tries to tempt us away?