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 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
To view on YouTube click:
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.
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