EXODUS | 4:27 met — EXOD93 As Moses returned from Midian to Egypt to ...
EXOD93 As Moses returned from Midian to Egypt to begin his Divine task of liberation, Aaron went out to meet him [this verse]. The Midrash continues: "Had Aaron known that the Holy, Blessed One would have it written of him that behold, he is coming out to meet you [Exodus 4:14], he would have gone to meet Moses with timbrels and dancing" [Exodus 15:20 ] (or as we might say in modern argot, with a brass band and a parade).… [t]he lesson of the Midrash holds for us as well. On us too a spotlight focuses; our actions are observed. "Know what is above you," we learned earlier: "an eye sees, an ear hears, and all your actions are recorded in a Book." (Avoth ii 1). The Midrash just cited continues on: In the past, when a man did a mitzvah, a prophet would record it [in Scripture]. Now, when a man does a mitzvah, who records it?--Elijah… notes it down, and the Holy, Blessed One affixes His seal." Whatever we do, and privacy or under public gaze, leaves a permanent record. It will make its mark and have its influence, as surely as deeds of holiness and valor recorded in Scripture. This should be well remembered when we are asked to save a life or help ameliorate the welfare of brethren somewhere in the world. In the incidents in the Midrashic passage, the other people involved--Joseph, Moses, Ruth--faced great destinies. Before Heaven any human being for whom our charity is sought is important, and his destiny, that lies partly in our hands, is of great significance, be he old or young, sick or well, famous or unknown. So with each chance to give charity, we can choose what will next be written of us in the supernal scripture that records our life.
Source Key | SINAI3 |
Verse | 4:27 |
Keyword(s) | met |
Source Page(s) | 165-6 |