Threefold Destiny

Rav Kook made an observation about the nature of Moshe Rabbeinu’s communication with Hashem. For all other prophets, their message would begin with, כה אמר ה׳, “Thus says Hashem.” When Moshe received a message, it began with the words, זה הדבר אשר צוה ה׳, “This is the matter, that G-d commands.”

Rav Kook goes on to explain that this represents a higher level of attachment between Hashem and Moshe. There actually was some form of prophecy, earlier in the Torah. We see this when Rivka asked Hashem why she had such a turbulent pregnancy. It was explained that she went to the Yeshiva of Shem, son of Noach, for an explanation.

By the time the Torah was given on Mount Sinai, prophecy was limited to the Jewish people. Once we became a nation, we had a special connection and manner of communication with G-d.

Once the Jewish people were designated for their special role, Eretz Yisrael was designated as a unique land with special holiness. G-d’s intention for us was made clear.

We were to become a “Kingdom of Priests and a holy nation.” We were to fulfill this role in a specially designated land. What would bind the people and the land, was the Torah.

This is why there is a quote of the Rabbis that says, “One who dwells in Eretz Yisrael, is as if he has a G-d. One who dwells outside of Israel, is as if he has no G-d.”

We are to be clear of our threefold destiny and our uniqueness as a people. We are Am Yisrael, in the Land of Israel, and bound by the Torah of Israel.