The Battle to Reach the Goal

Selections and Commentaries on Mattot Num: 30.2-32.42

  

If you say you’ll do something, then do it .

Carry out the words that cross your lips                                        Num 30.3

This is your integrity, and it’s very empowering. Be unreasonable about this

While living in their parents’ households young people’s vows will stand

Their parents may dismiss such self-imposed obligations

God to Moses: Avenge the Israelite people on the Midianites

Then you will be gathered to your people

When we die, that is, when we leave our bodies, we are gathered to our people

Dispatch a thousand (an aleph’) from every tribe of Yisra-El

With Pinchas serving as priest on the campaign

A great battle is before us each, a habit of mind we don’t want to face

But we must take responsibility for it to dismiss it -- or we do not advance

We take the field against Midea (and succeed). God says

Divide the booty equally among the combatants and the community

What is this booty we earn after victory over our ignorance?

Breakthroughs in reality and authenticity: freedom and power

Exact a levy for Yah (for God) – one of 500 from the warriors’ half share

One of 50 from the half share of the other Israelites

 A contribution to Yah (to God) for the priests and the Levites

This is about dedicating the fruits of new-found wealth for the benefit of others

Commanders of Troop Divisions, Officers of thousands and hundreds 

Approach Moses, saying: Not one of our warriors is missing

As expiations we bring gold offerings to Yah (to God)

(Gold: compassion, loving kindness) The gold total is 16,750 shekels  

1+6+7+5=19, 1+9=10= One = Alef, the ox, your very self – an offering to God

                                                                                   

Reubenites and Gadites own cattle in great numbers

Noting that this land (east of the Jordan) is suitable for cattle

They request to settle here, saying

We will hasten as shock troops in the van of the Israelites

Until we have established them in their homes

Then you will be clear before Yah and before Yis-raEl, says Moses

And this land (here) shall be your holding                           

When we are awake and illumined, everywhere we are is the promised land