Parshas Balak 5785
- Torah Tavlin
- Jul 9
- 1 min read
תרם ידך על צריך וכל איביך יכרתו ... (מיכה ה-ח)
Michah HaNavi describes the open miracles that Hashem performed for Klal Yisroel and says that Hashem will use His “Hand” to destroy the Jewish enemies: “Your hand shall prevail over your foes, and all your enemies shall be cut down!” Why does the Navi refer to Hashem’s “Hand” here when throughout gantz Tanach it is more common for Hashem to use His finger when exacting punishment?
The Daas Zekeinim has a long discussion regarding each of the “Fingers of Hashem” and what the Almighty used and continues to use each finger for. However, Chazal (Zevachim) quote the Pirkei D’Rabi Eliezer who describes the five “Fingers” on Hashem’s right hand, as all involved in the process of redemption and salvation.
The smallest finger of Hashem was used for this purpose when He described the construction of Noach’s Ark. The second finger was used during Yetzias Mitzrayim when Egyptian sorcerers described the plague of lice as the “finger of Hashem.” The next finger was used to inscribe the luchos, "והלוחות כתובים באצבע אלוקים". The fourth was used to show Moshe Rabbeinu the new moon and the fifth finger was used to show Moshe the Machatzis HaShekel.
Thus, utilizing His fingers to exact judgment or the like obviously has a tremendous force, but Hashem intends to use His entire “Hand” when in the future He will wipe out the descendants of Yishmael and Edom - finally putting an end to our long exile, speedily and in our days.