The verse in question, from Deuteronomy, speaks of the tribe of Benjamin: "He shall rest securely upon Him." The Sifrei Devarim immediately connects this "security" with the idea of "dwelling," drawing a parallel to Ezekiel 34:25: "And they will dwell securely in the desert and sleep in the forests." But where will they dwell securely? And what does this have to do with Benjamin?
The commentary goes on, "He (the L-rd) hovers over it." According to the Sifrei Devarim, this refers to the First Temple. "All the day" then points towards the Ultimate Temple, the one that will be built in the future. And here's where Benjamin comes back into the picture: "and between his (Benjamin's) shoulders (i.e., in a slight depression on the highest part of Benjamin's land) does it (the Temple) dwell," destined to be built and finished in the time to come. The Temple, secure, dwelling on the land of Benjamin.
But the really fascinating part is how the Sifrei Devarim connects this prophecy to the patriarchs – Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It suggests that they each foresaw the entire history of the Temple: its construction, its destruction, and its eventual rebuilding.
Let's start with Abraham. The commentary references Genesis 22:14: "And Abraham called the name of that place 'The L-rd will see.'" The Sifrei Devarim interprets this as Abraham seeing the Temple built. Then, "of which (place) it will be said (in future generations) 'On this day in the mountain'" – this represents the Temple in ruins. Finally, "'the L-rd shall appear'" signifies the Temple built and finished in time to come. Abraham, in that single moment on Mount Moriah, glimpsed the entire sweep of history.
Then there's Isaac. Remember the blessing he gives Jacob in Genesis 27:27? "See, the smell of my son is like the (pleasing) smell (of the sacrifices)." The Sifrei Devarim sees this "smell" as representing the Temple built. But the passage continues to the "field" which, according to the commentary, alludes to the prophecy in Micah 3:12: "Therefore, because of you, Zion will be plowed over like a field" – the Temple in ruins. And finally, "which the L-rd has blessed" points toward the Temple rebuilt, as Psalm 133:3 says, "For there the L-rd has commanded the blessing — life forever!"
Finally, Jacob. In Genesis 28:17, after his dream, Jacob exclaims, "How awesome is this place!" The Sifrei Devarim interprets this as Jacob seeing the Temple built. "This is not," Jacob continues, which represents the Temple in ruins. But the verse concludes with "other than the house of G-d," signifying the Temple built and finished in time to come.
What does it all mean? This passage from the Sifrei Devarim isn't just a simple interpretation of verses. It's a profound statement about hope, resilience, and the enduring promise of redemption. It tells us that even in the face of destruction, the vision of a rebuilt and perfected world, a dwelling place for the Divine, remains alive. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, we can find glimmers of hope in the words of our ancestors, in their dreams, and in their unwavering faith. And maybe, just maybe, we can help bring that vision to life.