Chok L'Yisrael - Beha'alotecha for Tuesday

Chok L'Yisrael

Beha'alotecha for Tuesday

When troubles befall a person, he should not attribute it to bad fortune. Instead, he should recognize that it is his own ways and actions, his own sins, that have brought this upon him. He should return to G-d, Who will have mercy on him, as it is said: "And they will encounter many evils and troubles and they will say on that day: It must be because our G-d is no longer among us, that we have encountered these evils." (Devarim 31:17)

Consider human behavior: If one person sins against another and later, in his time of affliction, regrets his action and apologizes because he needs help, the other person may view this regret as insincere. This is illustrated by Yiftach's response, "Why did you come to me now, when you are in trouble?" (Shoftim 11:7)

However, it is part of G-d's kindness, may He be Blessed, that He accepts repentance arising from misfortune. It is pleasing to Him, and He generously loves the sinner even when he returns to Him in times of trouble. As it is said: "Return, O Yisrael, to Hashem your G-d, for you have stumbled in your sin. Take with you words... I will heal their wrongdoing; I will love them generously." (Hoshea 14:2) And it also states: "For G-d rebukes the one whom He loves, and is reconciled like a father to his son." (Mishlei 3:12)

If a person does not repent from his evil ways during times of rebuke and hardship and does not return to the One who rebukes him, his sin increases, and his punishment is doubled. Consider this: If a king punishes someone who has sinned against him and that person does not submit, the king will increase his suffering and make his burden much heavier. As it is written: "And if, during these, you will not listen to Me, I shall add another seven castigations." (Vayikra 26:18) And it is said: "The hypocrites of heart heap up wrath: They do not cry out when He binds them." (Iyov 36:13)

(Yosef le-Chok; Rabbeinu Yonah Sharei Teshuvah 9a)

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Conclusion:

These ideas underscore the profound interconnectedness between human actions, spiritual consequences, and the merciful nature of G-d’s relationship with humanity.

*Chok L'Yisrael is a compendium of Jewish texts designed for daily or weekly study.