What Comes First? (Parasht Matot)
B”SD A Thought for the Shabbat Table (The original was written in Hebrew. AI translation into English) What Comes First? As the Jewish people prepared to enter Eretz Yisrael, the tribes of Gad and Reuven approached Moshe with an unusual request. They owned enormous flocks and herds, and the lands east of the Jordan River were ideally suited for grazing. They therefore asked to receive their inheritance there rather than cross into the Land of Israel. "If we have found favor in your eyes, let this land be given to your servants as a possession. Do not make us cross the Jordan." (Bamidbar 32:5) Moshe's initial response was one of sharp rebuke. "Shall your brothers go to war while you remain here? Why would you discourage the hearts of the Children of Israel from entering the land that Hashem has given them?" The tribes immediately clarified that Moshe had misunderstood their intentions. They had no desire to abandon the nation. On the contrary, they pledged to ...