This week we learned of the dramatic deaths of several enemies of the Jewish people. These terrorists had the blood of many innocent people on their hands, and the fact that they were eliminated in diverse locations with unique (possibly forever-unkown) methods is testament to the remarkable efforts of Israeli (and other?) intelligence, defense, and security services.
Israel has been clear that eliminating terrorists saves lives – for all human beings. Israel does not profess to carry out revenge killings, though its enemies do.
However, in this week’s parsha we find a fascinating and perhaps perplexing instruction from G-d. The Almighty tells Moshe that he will pass soon. But, Hashem requires of him one final act.
“Take revenge for the children of Israel against the Midianites; afterwards you will be gathered to your people.”
G-d calls upon Moshe to wage one more war. But, it’s not a war required for self-defense. Nor is it a war of conquest, to recover Jewish land. Rather, it’s a war of revenge.
Why does G-d want Jews to take revenge against Midian? Isn’t revenge forbidden in the Torah? And, if the Midianites posed a threat to the Jewish people, then it would be a war of defense, not revenge. Yet, G-d says it’s a war of revenge.
And, Hashem considers this so important that Moshe must perform it as the last achievement of his storied life.
What’s going on?
The Midianites had not threatened the Jewish people with annihilation or destruction. They did not pose an ominous military threat. However, they did something that is in a sense worse. The Midianites caused the moral and spiritual decay of the Jewish people. Due to their efforts, Jewish people – for the first time since leaving Egypt – were promiscuous, marrying Midianites and worshipping their idols. Thanks to Midianite influence, Judaism was being abandoned. It was the first example of overt assimilation.
This, Hashem declared, was utterly unacceptable.
If a nation attacks us, and the threat is eliminated, we don’t take revenge.
But, if a nation attacks our soul, this threatens the existence of Jews in a far greater way. G-d will always protect the Jewish people. But, if you take away the Torah and Judaism then there are no more Jewish people – and nothing left to fight for.
Jewish nationalism, the Torah is telling us, cannot exist without the Torah and Mitzvot. Otherwise, what are we fighting for?
Being a proud Jew means upholding Jewish life. And, this is a worthwhile lesson taught by Moshe in the final chapter of his life.