The Sifrei Devarim, a collection of legal midrashim on the Book of Deuteronomy, offers a powerful reminder of this. When it says, "as all that He did with you in Egypt before your eyes," it's not just recalling a historical event. It's saying: "If you do not believe in the future, believe in the past." The Exodus from Egypt, the Yetziat Mitzrayim, wasn't just a political liberation. It was a miraculous intervention, a complete overturning of the natural order. To witness that – as the Israelites did – was to witness the impossible become reality. And if that happened, what else could be possible?
So, when doubts creep in, when the future seems uncertain, we're invited to remember the past. To remember the times when we, as individuals or as a people, experienced something extraordinary. To remember the moments when hope seemed lost, but somehow, inexplicably, things turned around. These memories become anchors, grounding us in the belief that even in the darkest of times, redemption is possible.
Now, let’s turn to another interesting insight from Sifrei Devarim, this time connected to Deuteronomy 3:23: "And I entreated the L-rd at that time, saying." This verse, seemingly simple, unlocks a deeper understanding of prayer and power dynamics. The Sifrei connects it to Proverbs 18:23: "The poor man speaks imploringly and the rich one answers brazenly."
What's the connection? Well, Moses, despite his immense stature as a prophet and leader, approaches God with humility and supplication. He "entreated" – he begged. He recognized his own limitations and God's boundless power. Even Moses, the one who spoke to God face to face, understood the posture of prayer.
The verse in Proverbs contrasts this with the "rich one" who answers "brazenly." This isn't just about financial wealth. It's about any kind of power – social status, intellectual ability, even spiritual attainment. The danger is that when we feel powerful, we might lose our sense of humility and gratitude. We might start to believe that we deserve what we have, rather than recognizing it as a gift.
So, what does this teach us about prayer? Perhaps it's a reminder that true prayer isn't about demanding or expecting. It's about approaching the Divine with humility, recognizing our own needs and limitations, and trusting in God's wisdom and compassion. It’s about recognizing that even the most powerful among us are, in a sense, poor before the Infinite.
These two seemingly disconnected verses, when brought together by the wisdom of Sifrei Devarim, offer a profound lesson. They remind us that faith is rooted in both memory and humility. It's about remembering the past miracles that shaped us and approaching the future with a humble heart, open to the possibility of even greater wonders. What past miracles do you need to remember today?