Parshas Eikev 5785
- Torah Tavlin
- Aug 15
- 2 min read
מי בכם ירא ה' שמע בקול עבדו ... (ישעי' נ-י)
In the second Haftorah of the שבעה דנחמתא, Yeshaya HaNavi exclaims, “Who amongst you fears Hashem and listens to the voice of His servant?” The question is asked, why does the Navi say to listen to the voice of Hashem’s servant and not to the voice of Hashem’s Neviim? Surely the latter is more grammatically correct.
R’ Tzadok HaKohen zt”l (Pri Tzaddik) offers a fascinating insight. He explains that Moshe Rabbeinu among other prominent figures in Jewish history, were called “Servants of Hashem” even though they were Neviim as well. In fact, we find throughout Tanach numerous occasions where the title of a servant is preferable over the glorified titling of a Navi. The reason is based on the difference between the two. In royal circles, a servant is not usually afforded respect. Rather, he is a part of the tapestry – doing his part to make the king as comfortable as possible. While it doesn’t appear to be a glamorous position, the truth is that a servant is as close to the king as one can possibly get. He sees him when no one else does. He knows the king’s most inner secrets since he is usually standing right there at important meetings, waiting on the king. While a Navi is a man steeped in spirituality, revered and respected by the people as a man who confers with Hashem, a servant of Hashem is undoubtedly closer to the almighty.
Yeshaya HaNavi’s remarks highlight the truly elevated level of being a servant of Hashem over just being a Navi!