Embracing Divine Timing

A Rushed Inheritance

Parashat Matot discusses the request of the tribes of Gad and Reuven to receive their inheritance on the other side of the Jordan, our Sages teach: “An inheritance obtained in haste at first will not be blessed in the end” (Mishlei 20:21).

Indeed, the Midrash relates that as a result of their request to settle east of the Jordan, the tribes of Gad and Reuven were punished and became the first to go into exile—dispersed to Ashur (Assyria) before all the other tribes. Moreover, Ammon and Moav constantly harassed them with war and aggression (see Yechezkel 25:4–7).

At first glance, this seems perplexing. Their motivation appeared pure. The Maggid MiDubna explains that Bnei Gad and Reuven had large flocks, and since the Gemara rules that one may not raise small livestock in Eretz Yisrael (Bava Kama 84b)—lest they cause damage in other people’s fields—they sought land east of the Jordan. The Shach al HaTorah adds that since the tribe of Shimon had camped together with them under one banner in the midbar, they feared that Shimon would continue to dwell near them in Eretz Yisrael. They were wary of the tribe that had fallen into sin with the daughters of Moav.

So what was their fault? After all, their intentions were noble!

The Sfat Emet’s Insight

The Sfat Emet zt”l explains that their flaw was not in the request itself, but in their haste. Hashem is always ready to bestow blessing—but one must never seize it out of panic. A Jew must believe with full emunah that Hashem can and will provide exactly what is needed, but at the right time. Grabbing prematurely reveals a lack of bitachon.

A story is told of the gabbai (assistant) of a great Rebbe who came in distress: “Rebbe, my financial situation is terrible—please help me!” The Rebbe assured him, “Don’t worry. I will try to help.” A few days later, the Rebbe placed a large sum of money in an envelope, left it in his desk, and stepped out briefly. The gabbai, curious and desperate, opened the drawer, found the envelope, and pocketed some of the money. Just then, the Rebbe returned.

“Fool!” the Rebbe cried. “This envelope was meant for you! You could have received it with dignity. Instead, you took it with disgrace.”

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 22:7) teaches that Hashem grants three gifts—wisdom, strength, and wealth—but a person may lose them. When? When he grabs them without daas or patience. A person worthy of Hashem’s gifts waits with humility, trusting that they will come at the right time.

This was the misstep of the tribes of Gad and Reuven. They desired a good thing—and that was admirable—but they reached for it too quickly. Savlanut—patience—was lacking. Only one who overcomes impulse can attain blessing that endures.

Sleep On It

When Rav Yitzchak Peretz of Ra’anana helped establish the Shas party, he asked Rav Shach zt”l, “Sometimes we sit in government meetings and face incredibly tough decisions. What should we do when there’s no time to consult Daas Torah?” Rav Shach answered with timeless wisdom: “Never decide on the spot. Sleep on it, and answer tomorrow.”

When we reflect calmly, we can examine whether our desires are truly for Heaven’s sake—or whether they are just taavah (greed) dressed up as kavod shamayim.

To grow in avodas Hashem and merit true blessing, one must master the art of restraint.

רבי גואל אלקריף שליט״א
שש באמרתך

 

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Rabbi Leeor Dahan, a graduate of Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim/RSA, is a noted scholar and teacher, well-versed in halachah. He currently leads Kehilat Avodat Hashem in Hillcrest, Queens, inspiring his congregation to delve into Torah study and embrace its eternal teachings.