Shortly before his passing, our parsha states that, “Yaakov called for his sons and said, ‘Assemble yourselves and I will tell you what will befall you in the End of Days.’” However, the continuation of the pesukim do not seem to describe Yaakov’s revealing of what will occur in the End of Days. Indeed, the midrash (Tanchuma, 8) says that although this was Yaakov’s plan, however, “Hashem hid it [i.e, the information] from him.” As Rashi comments, “The Shechina (Hashem’s Divine Presence) left him and he began to say other things.”
There are a number of questions that can be asked regarding this passage. Firstly, what information did Yaakov intend to reveal regarding the End of Days? Secondly, what is the importance of revealing this information to his sons and how would this have contributed to furthering and enhancing their avodat Hashem? Finally, if Yaakov did in fact believe it was important to reveal this information, why then did Hashem hide it from him?
Rav Chaim Friedlander (Siftei Chaim, Vayechi) offers the following explanation: The information that Yaakov wished to relay regarding the End of Days consisted of imparting and revealing to them the way Hashem would manifest Himself throughout galut—the way Hashem would carry out galut, and what his plans and purpose for galut were, in all times and circumstances.
Yaakov believed that if his sons knew this information, they would be free of any doubts of emunah in Hashem, and thus, they would then be able to serve Hashem in a greater capacity—wholeheartedly. As Shlomo Hamelech states (Divrei Hayamim 1, 28:9), “Know the God of your father and serve Him with a perfect heart and with a willing soul,” thus teaching us that the more we know Hashem and His Ways, the more we will be capable of serving Hashem with all our heart and soul, without any doubts or questions in emunah; while the less we understand the Ways of Hashem, the more difficult will it be to serve Him, since doubts and question of faith in Hashem may likely arise and interfere with serving Hashem in this great capacity. Granted, it’s possible that one who believes in Hashem that all His ways are righteous and just, but yet does not understand His ways, could still serve Hashem wholeheartedly; however, if such a person would understand Hashem’s ways, his love for Hashem and his avodat Hashem would be on a higher level!
So why then did Hashem not want Yaakov to reveal this seemingly vital information if it could enhance his sons avodat Hashem and their overall relationship with Hashem? Rav Friedlander seems to explain as follows: Hashem desires that we serve Him despite the difficulties and darkness of galut and despite the fact that His ways are hidden to us and we lack their understanding. For when we strengthen ourselves in emunah and believe that Hashem is doing everything for our ultimate betterment, and serve Him faithfully, this kind of avodat Hashem contains the feature of faith, and thus more reflects upon our emunah, subservience, and commitment to Hashem and His will.
Granted it may be easier to serve Hashem when we know and clearly understand that He has our best interests in mind so to speak, and is doing everything for our ultimate good; however, this type of avodat Hashem may be lacking the test of emunah since we clearly sees how Hashem is guiding and orchestrating everything for our overall betterment. Hence, it doesn’t fully show one’s faith and commitment to Hashem. However, when we continue to grow and devote ourselves to Hashem and serve Him even when things seem dark and difficult, even when we don’t seem to see Hashem so clearly in our lives, and even when we can’t really understand how some things are for our best, this type of avodat Hashem contains the fundamental element of faith, and can thus more profoundly reflect upon our level of emunah, commitment and overall relationship with Hashem.
Binyamin is a graduate of Yeshivas Rabbeinu Yitzchak Elchanan, and of Wurzweiler School of Social Work
