Hidden Reasons For Mitzvot

There is a Pasuk in the Torah that says that, “What is hidden, is for Hashem, and what is revealed applies to us and our children forever, to fulfill all of the words of the Torah.”

The Talmud in Masechet Chulin explained that Hashem did not wish to reveal the actual reasons and rewards for the observance of the Mitzvot. This was in order to prevent someone from abandoning those commandments of small reward, while focusing on those of big reward.

The Rabbis said further that the Mitzva of honoring parents, and sending away the mother bird in order to take her eggs, are the two Mitzvot where there is a promise of long life.

This is to teach that if reward is given for the most difficult Mitzva to observe, honoring parents, and the easiest Mitzva of sending away the mother bird, then all Mitzvot in between will be given the same reward.

We also learn from this Pasuk that we must not assume we understand Hashem’s ways. This is hidden from us, and beyond our comprehension. Our job is to do only that which is revealed to us. Thankfully, the Torah was revealed to us on Mount Sinai by Hashem Himself, and we are to be focused on observing it diligently. The more we act on pure faith, the better off we will be.