A Wise Decision
HaShem instructed Moshe to "take revenge" against Midian for the terrible calamity they caused Klal Yisrael. In his great wisdom, rather than take an active role in the battle, Moshe appointed Pinchas to lead the troops. He reasoned that his successor, Yehoshuah, would fight thirty-one battles. Whereas, if Moshe fought this battle, it would be the only victory to his credit. Since he was the Father of all the Prophets, his one victory in contrast to the many victories of Yehoshuah, would be perceived in retrospect as a slight to the honor of Torah. Moshe was not concerned with his own honor, rather his sole desire was to preserve the honor of the Torah. As a result of his discretion, Moshe Rabenu is renown by all mankind as the Prophet who received the Torah at Mount Sinai.
Lesson: Rather than looking at the here and now, Moshe's decisions and judgements wisely took into consideration the far-reaching ramifications of each action.
App: Adapt a global, long range view of your actions. Consider how each act will be perceived by people now and in the future. Use this method of evaluation before you act and all your deeds will be a Kiddush HaShem. (Based on the commentary of the Arbananel to Matos) to view the Salant Mussar Library Collection
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L"N Rav Yochanon Mordecai Ben Ephraim and Moras Esther Leach bas Yehudah
Refuah Shleimah
Yochanon Baruch ben Fruma Ettta
Leiba Zlota bas Chana
Shalom Yoseph ben Leiba Zlota
Daniel Zvi ben Yochevd
Riva bas Henya
Zivia bas Raizel |
