このエピソードについて
We're moving forward now to the next Torah source we're going to be exploring. And this is a passage from the Chofetz Chaim (Zechor Lemiriam, Chapter 20). The Chofetz Chaim writes that we have found in the Torah a proof to internalize just how great the power of bitachon, of relying on Hashem is. And we can see this from the story in the Torah where the town of Sedom was about to be destroyed, and Hashem sent some heavenly angels in the guise of human beings to inform Lot on what was about to happen in order to give him a chance to escape and be saved. But again to Lot they appeared as human messengers. And as we know in the story in the Torah, that the wicked people of Sedom were trying to harm these messengers, these outsiders.
And what was Lot's response to his wicked neighbors and people of the town? Please do not cause these people any harm. Why? Because they have chosen to take shelter in my roof.
Continues the Chofetz Chaim, This means to say - They chose to rely on me that I am able to be their security and save them from you wicked individuals. And therefore Lot was begging his wicked neighbors, asking them please to leave these individuals alone. Why? Because they have relied on me. Again we are seeing here this most basic principle. When someone relies on you, you are accountable to come through for them. Lot understood this with absolute clarity and therefore the sole reason he asked his neighbors and townspeople to leave these individuals alone was not because they are good people or you guys are doing bad things, but rather please they have relied on me and therefore it is completely inappropriate for me not to be accountable and responsible towards them.
And continues the Chofetz Chaim. We know from other Torah passages that Lot actually was not an upright individual whatsoever. Even though Lot was not an upright individual, he understood this most basic fundamental idea. That when someone relies on you, you are accountable to come through for them. And this story was written down in the Torah. The Torah passages are not just history lessons, but rather each episode that is recorded has a specific message and take home for us. And says the Chofetz Chaim that one of the most important take homes from this episode of Lot asking the people of his town to please leave his guests alone and not cause them harm because they have relied on him is to teach us that when someone relies on you, you are accountable and you must do anything and everything possible within your capacity and resources to make sure that those that have relied on you are taken care of in the way that they have relied on you.
And continues the Chofetz Chaim. How much more so this applies to Hashem Himself who is not limited by human capacities with all our issues and problems and challenges that we have, that Hashem Himself is really the source of all mercy and compassion, when a person relies on Hashem with sincerity, Hashem will certainly help that individual to be saved from all forms of evil.
Again, we see clearly in this beautiful passage from the Chofetz Chaim. When one relies on Hashem, Hashem will for sure come through for you and save you from the challenging situation that you are going through. It does not say here that hopefully He will save you, but maybe He might have other calculations why He might not come through for you in the way that you desire.
No, the Chofetz Chaim is teaching us when you rely on Hashem, Hashem is accountable to come through for you for the sole reason that you have chosen to rely on Him. Bezrat Hashem, in the next session, let's continue with the next passage we're going to be exploring about Bitachon and with Hashem's help, together transform our lives.
