Why Did Hashem Punish the Generation of the Desert So Harshly?

Hello, I have a question. I read the weekly Torah portion Behaalotecha, and it seems as if Hashem is very strict in His attributes. Whoever sinned immediately became afflicted with tzara'at, etc., and it is said that Hashem's anger flared, and many people died. But we are only weak human beings, so I do not understand this. Also, when Miriam had tzara'at, it is written that Hashem departed in the cloud, meaning He left her alone to suffer? I find it hard to accept Hashem's leadership because it is so real, but also so sharp and painful. I would appreciate any response..

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Greetings,,

As great as the reward, so is the responsibility. The people in biblical times had a much higher spiritual level than we do. They were privileged to experience open revelations, and therefore strict judgment was required of them. Miriam was a prophetess at the time of the giving of the Torah, and the tzara'at was meant to atone for her sin so she could return to her former prophecy and sanctity. Not only did Hashem not abandon her, but the entire nation of Israel waited for Miriam until she was healed, so she could return to her health and sanctity - only then did the Israelites continue on their way in the desert. In other words, Hashem regarded Miriam as a beloved daughter and sought to benefit and atone her soul.

Nowadays, we live in a time of hidden divine presence, and Hashem knows our hearts and the magnitude of the trials we live in. The sages said that Hashem does not confront His creatures with demands they cannot meet but rather considers their situation and capabilities. Please read the following article that will resolve many questions for you about Hashem's love:

https://www.hidabroot.org/node/125233

In the book of Jeremiah (chapter 7, verse 19), the prophet speaks in the name of Hashem: "Do they provoke Me to anger (?!), declares Hashem, aren't they doing so to their own mockery".

The commentary "Metzudat David" explains: "Do they think to harm me, meaning do they think their actions harm me (?!), rather the anger harms them, bringing them shame and disgrace".

In this verse, Hashem expresses astonishment that people try to provoke Him when it is obvious they cannot harm Hashem or His "feelings". The verse explains that all of humanity's evil actions against Hashem humiliate and harm only those who perform them.

Solomon teaches us this in a brief verse: "For whom Hashem loves, He chastens, like a father who favors the son he delights in" (Proverbs 3:12).

The strictness of the Torah actually demonstrates how dear the people of Israel are to Hashem, and how much our Father in Heaven cares for us and does not want us to be harmed or lose our World to Come. The greater the rebuke, the more important Hashem considers us and loves us.

Yet there is a reason why many people in our generation struggle to connect with harsh words of rebuke. At the time of the giving of the Torah and the early generations, people were on a higher spiritual level than we are, and therefore the divine judgment with them was harsher, as they could bear the truth as it is and gain the best from it.

However, our generation is weaker than the earlier ones, and therefore educational methods for the younger generation are accordingly adapted. Harsh rebuke from a father in our generation will not be understood by young people, as the truth needs to be told, that it takes much intelligence and psychological maturity to love rebuke and understand how great the love of the rebuker is!

An immature child might think his father hates him and antagonizes him for no reason because he does not understand the father's great love for him. But the father's love has not changed for a moment. Hashem still loves us very much, but we have difficulty understanding it. Therefore, the ethical books of our generation emphasize this true point and focus more on the emotion of love so that we remember and never forget how great and immense the Creator's love is for each one of us.

With blessings,

Daniel Bels