V'Eschanan ואתחנן – The Greatness of G-d

In parshas V'Eschanan Moshe rabenu asks G-d to permit him to enter the Holy Land. He begins his prayer by saying, "You have begun to show your servant Your Greatness (גדלך), Your strong arm, what Force is there in heaven or earth that can make like Your deeds and Your might" (Deuteronomy 3:23). From this parsha we learn something about Hashem's greatness.

The most common use of the word gadol (גדול) is Loshon HaKodesh is "big", however it often means celebrated and famous i.e. great. The word is used a number of times in this reading notably after the recollection of the giving of the Ten Commandments, when the nation says to Moshe that G-d has shown them, "His glory and His greatness", (Devarim 5:21). Greatness is expressed repeatedly when Moshe exhorts the children of Israel to keep the laws of the Torah. It is your wisdom and your understanding in the eyes of the nations, who will hear all these statutes and say, these people are only wise and understanding, this great nation. For what is a great nation -- one that has God so near to it, as Hashem our God is at all times that we call upon Him? And what is a great nation -- one that has all these righteous ways and laws like this Torah, (cf. Devarim 6:6-8).

The Torah and the law that is given in it are both great in and of themselves as well as manifestation of G-d's greatness. There are effectively three expressions of G-d's name in Moshe's prayer. The first one is frequently understood as "Lord". This is an expression of being a ruler and anyone who rules has an aspect of greatness. The second name is a pronunciation of Elokim meaning power and power likewise is an aspect of greatness. The spelling of this name is an expression of providing existence, without doubt very great. The prayer continues with examples of greatness. A strong arm refers to military might. A force in heaven means wisdom and righteousness. A force on earth is physical power. Might refers to control and forbearance.

In Psalm 46 we get a look at G-d's greatness through the prism of war. He changes the earth, causes mountains to totter and the sea to storm. Simultaneously He is a stronghold and close to the devout on at the time of turbulence. He shakes up nations, cripples kingdoms, and wreaks devastation on earth. He stops wars, breaks the bow, shatters the spear, and burns their carriages. He will be exalted among the nations and exalted on earth. He is a fortress to the children of Israel and all of his devoted.

In Psalm 139 we see G-d's greatness through his omniscience. You know where I dwell and where I stand, You understand me from a distance. You know every word on my tongue. You know what's in back of me and what's ahead of me. If I should ascend to the heavens, You are there, and if I should make my bed in the grave, behold, You are there. Darkness hides nothing from you, night is like day. Your eyes saw my unformed body, in Your book is written all of my days.

In Psalm 144 we see G-d's greatness through His benevolence. Our sons are like saplings big in their youth, our daughters are like lace woven like a sanctuary. Our granaries are full, our herds are many. Our leaders work hard. There is no breach or cry in our streets. Happy is the nation that this is so. Happy is the nation that Hashem is their G-d.

In Memory of Sidney Schreiber

 לע"נ שמואל בן נח ז"ל

15 Av 5769    טו באב תשס"ט                  

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Discussion of the greatness of G-d as viewed through a society engrossed in Torah learning and living according to its precepts. Lecha Dodi follows sung to the melody popular in the Conservative movement during the 50's and 60's.