Compelling Proof of Hashem's Love: The Kindness Within Punishment

The compelling evidence of Hashem's love for His people, even during times of punishment, is the divine providence that continues to guard and do good under punitive conditions.

Consider a prisoner sentenced to incarceration: what acts of kindness does he experience there? He is cut off from family, friends, and does not see daylight. In short, during judgment, there is no mercy!

In the punishments Hashem metes out to His people, we must perceive His kindness even during times of punishment.

Let's return to the exile of Egypt. In this terrible punitive state of "and they embittered their lives with hard labor," there was a situation of "and the Israelites were fruitful and multiplied, and they greatly increased and filled the land." Even under the decree of enslavement, it was said, "the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and spread," and Rashi explained: in all their efforts to oppress [and reduce population, as affliction generally diminishes fertility], so did the intentions of the Holy One, Blessed be He, increase them and make them thrive.

As a sign and wonder to this effect: Levi's tribe was not enslaved in Egypt, yet it was the smallest of all tribes, despite not being enslaved. The Ramban answers this, explaining that as per the decree "the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and spread", those under the affliction alone were in the blessing "the more they multiplied and spread." Levi's tribe, which did not partake in the curse, also did not partake in the blessing.

Similarly, in our exile, we see Hashem's goodness, that even in times of great hardship, which are days of judgment, they are accompanied by divine mercy through His protection over us, the livelihood provided to us, the continuous miracles saving us from annihilation, which is the intent of our enemies.

Here we are in the Land of Israel. Consider the numerous perils we survived in the decades since we've been here, how many perilous wars have passed over us since our arrival close to seventy years ago and up to now. Our daily existence here is indeed a miracle. Likewise, our brothers in the Diaspora live in relative peace and prosperity, many observing commandments, living lives of wealth and abundance.

This is the meaning of the verse (Leviticus 26:44): "Even when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them or abhor them to destroy them completely, or to break my covenant with them." This is aside from the promise (Deuteronomy 30:3-5): "Hashem your God will restore your fortunes and have mercy on you and gather you back from all the nations where He scattered you. Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there Hashem your God will gather you and bring you. Then Hashem your God will bring you to the land your ancestors possessed and you will possess it. He will make you more prosperous and numerous than your ancestors." Further it is said (Jeremiah 30:7): "It will be a time of trouble for Jacob, but he will be saved out of it," and further (Isaiah 63:9): "In all their distress He too was distressed, and the angel of His presence saved them, in His love and mercy He redeemed them and lifted them up and carried them all the days of old."

Look, precisely 20 years ago was the Gulf War when 39 missiles were fired at Israel by the Iraqi dictator, and only one person was killed, whereas a similar missile fired at Saudi Arabia resulted in dozens of casualties. And we must also remember that we are in the exceedingly terrifying period called by our sages the footsteps of the Messiah, the most difficult period for the people of Israel, which prompted our sages to express their forebodings: "Let him come, but may I not see it." The meaning is, the Messiah will come in his time, and we do not wish to be in that transitional period between exile and redemption, for it will be exceedingly challenging for the people of Israel. Here we are, living in this time; this is agreed upon among all the greats of Israel, and yet, as mentioned, we see much mercy within the judgment. The people of Israel live on, existing with abundant goodness and prosperity, abundant joys, and weddings every day, and countless kindnesses and goodnesses surrounding us in this peak of our exile time—the birthing pains of the Messiah.

Another Compelling Evidence of Hashem’s Love for His People in Punishment

We have yet another compelling proof clearly demonstrating Hashem's love for His people in general, and each person individually, even when judgment is upon them and they are in a state of punishment—which on the surface, would seem to broadcast anger and abandonment.

Let's illustrate with an example. An employer angry at an employee, reprimanding him, punishing him, and showing a stern face. Is it logical for this employee to approach his employer at this time to request a pay rise or a promotion? Certainly not, as it is not reasonable for someone perceived as being in a state of anger to approach and ask for favors, let alone to request that the employer also bestow goodness upon his relatives, offering them jobs and sustaining them.

Yet, consider a person in a state where judgment is upon him, supposedly under Hashem’s anger. Does Jewish law exempt him from prayer? Absolutely not. He is required to pray for himself and all his household. It is a mitzvah for him to seek mercy upon himself and all his close relatives. On the contrary, such a time is favorable for his prayers, as it is said (Psalms 51:19): “A broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.”

Thus, we must say that Hashem’s love is never compromised, and even when judgment is stretched upon a person, it is not at love's expense. On the contrary, this state is meant to draw the person closer, making it the perfect time for him to make his requests.

The article is from the book "Living in Faith." To purchase Rabbi Yaakov Israel Lugasi's book click here.