Journeys

[Shimon]

parashas Mattot-Masei 

"These are the journeys of the Bnei Yisroel, which went forth out of Eretz Mitzrayim." 

- Numbers 33:1, Orthodox Jewish Bible

The forty-two journeys of the Children of Israel, "their goings out according to their journeys by the commandment of the L-RD," were seen from the perspective of G-d, each one as a significant journey of progress, according to His plan (Hirsch). Each time they set out on a journey to the next encampment, there was no room for regret, if they accomplished, learned, and advanced in character development, according to G-d's will. 

However, even if they failed, they could return to Him through teshuvah (repentance). Therefore, there was still no cause to regret a missed opportunity, as long as they would be focused on a "godly sorrow," that would bring them to a place of acknowledgment in regard to their transgression(s).

Our own life journeys, from place to place mirror the template: forty-two Israelite journeys throughout the wilderness. They were brought out of a place of tumah (impurity), namely Mitzraim (Egypt), crossed through the Sea of Reeds that parted for them, symbolic of immersion in a mikveh, i.e., "baptism," and continued for forty years in the wilderness, until reaching a place of kedushah (holiness) in the Land of Israel.

This journey may serve to remind us of the need to move away from a sense of spiritual impurity to greater kedushah (holiness) in our lives, by repairing our character defects and turning away from sin, through the power of the spirit of Messiah (Romans 8:1-5). Additionally, in like manner that the Children of Israel were encompassed on all sides by tumah (impurity) in their previous environment in Egypt, we should also be aware of any negative influences in our own immediate surroundings. 

Our individual paths are designed by the L-RD to guide us through the various challenges we face in life. Once we learn the lesson, we may move on to the next place or situation that has an inherent challenge for us, to bring us to the next level of understanding. While the ultimate destination of the Israelites was the Promised Land, it is important to keep in mind that our journey reflects that of our [spiritual] ancestors: we should look forward to the salvation that the L-RD is able to work in our lives through His Ruach (Spirit), by preparing us for Olam Haba (the World to Come): the Ultimate Promised Land. Our journey in this life leads to the eternity of Promise in the next.

"For the agmat nefesh [sorrow of the soul] that is according to H'Shem [the L-RD] produces teshuva [repentance] to Yeshuat Elokeinu [Salvation of G-d], not to be regretted."

- 2 Kehillah in Corinth 7:10, OJB
 

Edited July 26, 2020 by Shimon
consistency