Parshat Shoftim: Don't Get Too Confident
by Rabbi Lobel

(Deuteronomy: Chapter 20, Verse 8) The officers shall add in speaking and say, "Who is the man that is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go and return to his house, and let him not melt the heart of his brothers, like his heart."

This verse is in reference to one who is exempt from fighting in Jewish wars. Most commentaries quote Rebbe Yossi Hagelili's explanation of the verse, "the fearful and fainthearted of the sins that are in his hands (Tractate Sotah 44b)." G-d promises victory and tells us not to be afraid (chapter 20, verses 1-4). This individual may feel that he will not merit G-d's salvation because of his past actions. He is therefore pardoned from military services.

The Ohr Hachaim (commenting on verse 8) explains Rebbe Yossi Hagelili. "Even if one does not know that he has sins, the fear of war that enters his heart will inform him that he has sins."

It is understood that before entering war a solider reflects upon his past. In terms of his relationship with G-d, it makes him realize that he cannot continue to be confident. If he has sins, fear will make him realize what he should have always known.

The human dynamic works in irrational ways. One gets a false sense of his righteousness when things are easy and normal. It takes a certain reality to realize the truth. A worthy thought for the upcoming High Holidays.