It all starts with understanding the power of fulfilling God's will.
In Sifrei Devarim, a collection of legal and ethical teachings supplementing the Book of Deuteronomy, we find a fascinatingly concise, yet potent verse: "and the will of the dweller in the bush." But what does that even mean? The text immediately clarifies, "(Israel,) who did the will of the One who was revealed in the bush." It’s a direct connection between the divine encounter at the burning bush and the actions of the Israelites. Think about it: the entire nation's identity, their very purpose, rooted in that moment of revelation. It wasn't just about seeing a miracle; it was about answering a call.
And speaking of legacies, let's turn our attention to Joseph. The blessing, "It (the blessing) shall come upon the head of Joseph," hints at something truly special. Why Joseph? Well, the text gives us a clue: "He came first to Egypt, and he shall come first (for blessing) in time to come." Joseph, who paved the way for his family's survival in Egypt, is destined to be at the forefront of blessings. It's a testament to his foresight, his leadership, and perhaps most poignantly, his resilience.
But the story doesn't stop there. There's a heartbreaking undertone: "upon the head of him (Joseph) 'sundered' by his brothers." The text clarifies: "He was 'distanced' by his brothers." That initial betrayal, that profound act of sibling rivalry, casts a long shadow. Yet, despite this painful past, Joseph rises above it, ultimately forgiving his brothers and saving them from famine. His story is a powerful reminder that even from the deepest wounds, extraordinary blessings can emerge.
Then comes the intriguing passage about Joseph's "ox." "(Ibid. 17) "The grandeur of his (Joseph's) 'ox' (Joshua, the strong, who came from Joseph) is accorded ("hadar") him." Here, the metaphor of the "ox" refers to Joshua, Moses' successor, who was descended from Joseph. It's a fascinating way to link strength and leadership to a specific lineage. The text further explains: "We are hereby taught that 'hod' (glory) was accorded Moses, and 'hadar' was accorded Joshua; the entire world could not withstand him."
What's the difference between hod and hadar? While both relate to glory and splendor, they represent different aspects of leadership. Moses possessed hod, a kind of inherent, awe-inspiring presence. But Joshua had hadar, a more dynamic, almost overwhelming power. This passage suggests that different times call for different kinds of leaders, and that Joshua's strength was precisely what was needed to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. The world, it says, could not withstand him.
So, what can we take away from these brief, yet profound verses? Perhaps it’s this: that true blessing lies in fulfilling God's will, even amidst personal hardship. That leadership takes many forms, and that the legacies we leave behind are often shaped by both our triumphs and our struggles. And that, ultimately, the echoes of a burning bush can reverberate through history, inspiring generations to come.