Assistance from Above

Today I have finished Sefer Zeraim in the Rambam's Mishneh Torah. Sefer Zeraim details the laws or Argiculture. Forbidden mixtures, Gifts to the Poor, Laws of Teruma, Laws of Tithes, Laws of first fruits and laws concerning the Sabbatical year.

There are many joys of studying. One that I find particularly rewarding is stumbling upon a idea that makes you just take a step back and admire the beauty of the thought.

Closing Hilcots Shemitah V'Yovel, the Rambam writes:

"Why did the Levites not receive a portion in the inheritance of the land of Israel and in the spoils of war like their brethren? Because the were set aside to serve G-d and minister unto him and to instruct people at large in his just paths and righteous judgements, as [Deuteronomy 33:10] states: 'They will teach your judgements to Jacob and your Torah to Israel.' Therefore they were set apart from the ways of the world. They do not wage war like the remainder of the Jewish people, nor do they receive an inheritance, nor do they acquire for themselves through their physical power. Instead, they are G-d's Legion, as it states: 'G-d has blessed his legion' and he provides for them as [Numbers 18:20] states: 'I am your portion and your inheritance.'

Not only the tribe of Levi, but any one of the inhabitants of the world whose spirit generously motivates him and he understands with his wisdom to set himself aside and stand before G-d to serve him and minister to him and to know G-d, proceeding justly as G-d made him, removing from his neck the yoke of the many reckonings which people seek, he is sanctified as holy of holies. G-d will be his portion and heritage forever and will provide what is sufficient for him in this world like he provides for the priests and the Levites. And thus David declared [Psalms 16:5] 'G-d is the lot of my portion; you are my cup; you support my lot' "

From this we learn that through our devotion to Hashem, we can trust that Hashem will provide for our needs in the end. He may test us, and challenging us, or even seem hidden at times. But in the end just as we learned in Sefer Zeraim about the laws of Bikkurim, the priestly gifts, so too will Hashem provide for us.

As the Rambam concludes:

"Blessed be the Merciful One who provides assistance"