The Decline of Overt Divine Intervention

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1. Chapter 11: Divine Design and Human Initiative

   Rabbi Michael Hattin

   This lesson will trace the progression of Yehoshua’s battles, and examine the logic behind the order of conquests. We will compare the battle against the Kings of the North with the battle of Jericho, and the battle against the Kings of the South with the battle against Ai. As the wars progress, there is a notable decline in divine intervention, and an incline in human initiative and design.

2. Haftarat Yitro and Kedusha in Context

   Erev Shabbat Parshat Yitro

   Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell | 18 minutes

   Haftarat Yitro contains a selection that is part of Kedusha, an important part of liturgy, which is perhaps  not appreciated enough. Another part of Kedusha is found in Yehezkel, and we compare the two, looking at the verses in their respective contexts.

   Both prophets  are describing majestic visions in which angels and the like play significant roles, but different aspects of the Divine Presence are manifest. Yeshayahu describes the earth as filled with God's presence, and Yehezkel, prophesying in exile, describing God's presence as being more concentrated somewhere else. 

   Yehezkel's message is that God did not abandon the Land of Israel, even during exile.  Even though it seems like there is a big distance - as if God's presence is somewhere far above- He will yet eturn to dwell within us.

3. Ezra Arrives on the Scene

   Rabbi Tzvi Sinensky

   Ezra chapter 7 finally introduces us to Ezra himself. During the reign of Artaxerxes, Ezra led a group of Jews on aliya. Ezra is referred to as both Kohen and scholar. There is particular emphasis on the role of the priestly teacher in the works of Shivat Tzion. This represents a larger shift away from charismatic priestly and prophetic roles toward an emphasis on Torah. The fact that Ezra is identified as a Kohen without reference to the Temple service accentuates the transition underway.

   Whereas in the opening section of Ezra, the only form of worship practiced by the Jews is that of sacrifice, Ezra ushers in a new emphasis on Torah study and observance. This shift foreshadows the revolution on which Ezra was about to embark.

   Ezra deflects credit from himself toward God. This theme of hashgacha – that while God no longer performs open miracles, He nonetheless profoundly influences world events – pervades the literature of Shivat Tzion. While prophecy may be waning, divine inspiration remains, so too God continues to guide earthly events.

   Absolute divine clarity is declining. In that vacuum, divinely-inspired personal reminisces rise to the fore.