To my dear son,
Hashem promised Bnei Yisrael after they cross the Jordan ,
“You shall cross the Jordan and settle in the Land that Hashem, your God, causes you to inherit, and He will give you rest from all your enemies all around, and you will dwell securely”.
The text is repetitive; if Hashem “gives you rest from all your enemies” then surely “you will dwell securely”?
Rabbi Yehonatan Eybeshitz explains that the first part of the verse, “rest from all your enemies”, refers to the blatant enemies from surrounding nations and the threats from foreign countries. However the second part of the verse, “you will dwell securely”, refers to peace and unity from within; there will be unity amongst the Jewish people themselves which, at times is far more challenging to achieve. In fact Rabbi Yehonatan explains that this second part of the verse is conditional; when the Jewish people “dwell securely” with one another, than Hashem will assure that they will “rest from all their enemies”.
This understanding of Rabbi Yehonatan is quite appropriate as Rashi explains that the context of the verse denotes that after conquering the Jordan and Israel, the land would be divided between the twelve tribes of Israel. Often inheritances and land portions can be divisive even amongst the closest families. The Torah assures us that when Eretz Yisrael is divided proportionately everyone will accept the apportionment and respect each tribe’s territory.
It must be comforting to know that all of you as chayalim contribute to Tzahal; the only institution in the Jewish world which exemplifies unity, and that these are the efforts which will facilitate the security and ultimately the redemption of the entire Jewish people.
Shabbat Shalom
With love and admiration
Abba
Hammer Time 