| When Klal Yisrael arrived at the east bank of the Jordan River, the tribes of Reuven and Gad were impressed with the fertile pasture lands. They approached Moshe Rabenu and said, "Let this land be given to your servants as a heritage; do not bring us across the border." Moshe said sharply, "Should your brothers go out to battle while you settle here?" Reuven and Gad responded, "We will arm ourselves for battle together with the Children of Israel and we will not return home until the Children of Israel receive their land." At which point Moshe said, "If you do not uphold your promise you will have sinned to HaShem!" Why did Moshe rebuke them after they agreed to conquer the land before settling? When they expressed to Moshe their conviction to join their brethren in the battle to conquer the land, they didn't mention "we will succeed with HaShem's help." Therefore, Moshe admonished them for thinking they could conquer Israel on their own merits and strength, When a person relies on his own strength and wisdom, it is a sure recipe for disaster. Conversely, if we place our trust in HaShem, alone, we will be blessed with every success.
(1) Envision Moshe Rabenu praying with heartfelt supplications for HaShem's help and salvation before receiving the Torah on Mount Sinai. (2) Reflect that on the merit of his prayers and trust in HaShem, Moshe received and understood the entire Torah. (3) Take a few moments before each new endeavor and put your faith in HaShem. (4) Pray to HaShem for His assistance. (5) Say to yourself, "With HaShem's help, I will succeed. (Based on the commentary of Rav Yoseph Chaim Sonenfeld and Rav Chaim Volshin)
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