Parshat Beshalach - Making the Right Decision
by Rabbi Lobel

In the beginning of the Parsha (chapter 13, verse 17) the posuk states, "It happened when Pharaoh sent the people that G-d did not lead them by the way of the Philistines because it was near, for G-d said, "perhaps the people will reconsider when they see a war, and they will return to Egypt." Rashi learns that the Jews will have to face war if they pass by the Philistine nation and they will regret the fact that they left Egypt and will want to return.

Apparently, the Israelites felt war with the Philistines was worse than slavery in Egypt. Not only would the Jews refuse to face war but they would regret leaving Egypt.

Fearing war is understandable but how could the Israelites regret their emancipation? The Egyptians tortured them, slaughtered their children, and threatened them with extinction. Furthermore, the Israelites that left Egypt, wanted to leave; the Israelites that desired to stay, or those which were unworthy, had died during the plague of darkness. Yet, rather than fight a war, they would return to Egyptian slavery.

As surprising as it may sound, the Israelites' feelings were natural. People often regret the decisions they make. Even if the decision was appropriate at the time, even if the decision was ultimately the correct one, even if they had no choice but to act as they did, when faced with a new dilemma, people will usually look back and ask themselves "Did I do the right thing?" The Israelites chose to leave Egypt knowing they would have to travel through the desert and may be attacked by other nations. G-d, however, understood that when actually faced with war, the Israelites might regret leaving Egypt and begin to reconsider their decision. To avoid the situation, G-d led the Israelites along an alternative longer route that avoided the Philistines.

Regretting past decisions made properly is due to a lack of bitachon (trust in G-d). Proper bitachon does not only mean that present and future actions will end well but also a firm belief that past actions, which were decided properly, will be fruitful. A proper bitachon in Hashem not only allows one to make balanced decisions but also allows one to feel comfortable with the choices he's made and never look back. The Chovos Halevavos (Duties of the Heart), in Sha'ar Habitachon (Gate of Trust), chapter 4, explains that a person should not expect results based on proper decision making. One does not necessarily receive the results desired just because the right thing was done. The important focus in a human mindset is, "do the right thing and let G-d run the world." This dictates that results are not based on our actions, even if they are correct.