Mishpatim: Spiritual Fertility
A Reward for Mitzvah
“Lo Tehiye Meshakeilah V’akara B’artzecha, Es Mispar Yomecha Amale.” There shall be no miscarriage or infertility in your land, I shall fill the number of your days. The simple meaning of this verse is a blessing from G-d for long life and fertility in reward for keeping the Mitzvos.
This blessing can also be seen on a deeper level.
Infertility – A Spiritual Malaise
Infertility is the inability to produce offspring. Our spiritual offspring are our Mitzvah actions. Infertility on a spiritual level refers to a lack of inspiration for Torah and Mitzvos. Some people work hard to be motivated but fail nonetheless. What is the cause of this spiritual infertility?
The Torah informs us that the source of this malaise is “B’artzecha.” The Hebrew word “Beartzecha” means “in your land”. But this word is etymologically similar to the Hebrew word “Ratzon” which means desire. Hence the word “Beartzecha” can be translated as “in your desire” instead of “in your land.”
In a sense this verse is telling us that if you are dominated by “Artzecha” i.e. your personal desire, as opposed to the will of G-d, the result might be spiritual infertility.
What is the remedy? Change your paradigm. A fundamental shift in your perspective on life’s purpose. We are not here to serve our own goals but rather those of G-d. Our goals should be secondary and subservient to his. When this becomes your norm then total commitment will come easily.
Loyalty Pays
This comes with a promise from G-d. If we allow him an exclusive on our priorities then “Es Mispar Yomecha Amale,” I will fill the number of your days. He will sustain us and ensure that we lack for nothing. Every day will be completely fulfilled from both a spiritual and material perspective.
Faith
Don’t wait to see it before you choose to believe it. In Torah the reverse is true. Believe it, then you will see it. The skeptic does expect to be rewarded. Only the believer has that right.
Do you believe?
Tags: faith, mitzvah
