In the Torah portion of Chukat (Numbers 19:1–22:1), something strange appears. Moses was afraid of Og the giant, the greatest leader of all time—the man who fought and defeated Pharaoh split the sea, and challenged the angels for the Torah. The greatest prophet and spiritual giant was afraid. What could frighten Moses?
Why did Moses need reassurance from G-d? The Israelites were about to battle Og, king of Bashan, a literal giant and a mighty monstrous warrior. Moses was so afraid that G‑d had to calm his fears.
According to Rashi, the commentator, the story goes back many years. Og escaped from battle during Abraham's time and informed him that his nephew Lot had been taken captive. Abraham then rescued Lot, thanks to the information that Og gave him. Rashi explains that Moses feared the good deed Og had earned from helping Abraham and helping free the captive.
But was Og's deed truly for the sake of helping others? Rashi notes that Og’s motives were not altruistic; he hoped Abraham would die in a battle trying to rescue Lot, allowing Og to take Abraham’s wife, Sarah. Despite Og's hidden motives, the result was beneficial to Abraham, who considered it a favor.
This is why Moses fears that Og's past good deeds might shield him from harm and that the battle against him will not succeed. Hence, G‑d reassured Moses: “Do not fear him, for into your hand I have given him, his entire people, and his land.”
This story teaches an incredible lesson about the power of acts of kindness. Even a single good act, performed long ago and with questionable motives, could be profound and have a lasting impact for good. From a spiritual perspective, deeds of goodness and kindness can protect us from harm. Performing an act of helping someone in need not only aids but also shields us.
Let this story inspire us to perform good deeds that could protect us and our families from any harm and, most importantly, hasten true redemption.
*This is from a series of articles by Rabbi Bernstein Moshe.
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