In this week’s parsha, Yaakov Avinu concludes his blessing to Dan with the words, “For Your salvation do I long, Hashem.” According to Rashi, this referred to Shimshon HaGibor – whose eyes were gouged out by the Plishtim. At the time he sought to exact vengeance on his enemies, Shimshon called out to Hashem to give him strength one more time.
Rabbeinu Bechaye comments that Rashi’s explanation is not that Yaakov prayed for Shimshon to be saved. Rather, Yaakov Avinu prayed that Shimshon should merit to die a righteous and honorable death.
We learn (Shoftim 16) that Delilah, Shimshon’s wife, was offered a huge amount of money by the Plishtim to discover the source of Shimshon’s phenomenal strength. Shimshon would give her various made-up explanations, such as that his strength would weaken if she tied him with seven moist ropes; he would become weak if she tied him with new ropes; his strength would disappear if she tied his hair on a weaving rod. She tried these suggestions when he slept and each time she failed. Finally, Shimshon revealed that he was a Nazirite from birth, and if his hair was cut, he would lose his strength. His hair was cut, and indeed when he awoke his strength had departed. The Plishtim gouged out his eyes and led him to Gaza in copper chains. In a great hall there, the Plishtim celebrated their victory over their enemy. Inebriated, they summoned Shimshon to entertain them. Shimshon asked the boy accompanying him to allow him to rest against the pillars of the building that was full of all the merrymakers, in addition to the three thousand men and women on the roof watching the sport.
R’ Chaim Kamil in the Sefer Imrei Chaim cites the Talmud (Sotah 10a) that Shimshon was lame on both legs, and could only walk with the assistance of a walking stick. He notes that another person would be devastated and in despair, but Shimshon called out to Hashem, “In the twenty-two years that I was a shofet for the Jewish people, I never asked anyone to carry my walking stick.” Shimshon had so many greater merits to specify at this crucial hour – he taught Torah, he judged the Jewish nation, he saved them from the Plishtim many times. Why did he choose to bring up that no one had to carry his stick?
Making such a request of others would imply that he was better than everyone else. Shimshon meant, though, that he never lost his faith in Hashem. He knew that it was Hashem who endowed him with his unusual extraordinary power. He now requested, “For Your salvation do I long, Hashem.” He then stood between the two pillars and brought down the edifice which collapsed on all the people inside.
Every individual who finds himself in challenging times only needs to know how to recognize the smile of Hashem from Above. Dovid HaMelech says (Tehillim 23:4), “Though I walk in the valley of death I will fear no evil, for You are with me. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Even Hashem’s rod of rebuke is comforting, because ultimately it will be for our good, as difficult as it is to understand in the present.
One day a prince set out to the forest to hunt for game. Oblivious, he rode deep into the forest, and didn’t detect the group of bandits who awaited the solitary traveler. The criminals immediately recognized the prince and decided to capture him. Outnumbered and overpowered, the prince became their captive, and he was put in chains.
A peasant who lived near the forest observed the incident from afar and decided to free the prince from his captors. At the opportune moment, the peasant was able to release the prince, and he took him back to his cabin.
Meanwhile, at the palace, soldiers were sent in all directions to search for the prince. He was eventually discovered in the cabin with the peasant. Graciously thanking the peasant, in the name of the king, for the peasant’s assistance in saving the prince’s life, they then requested his return.
The peasant refused, however, and the soldiers returned to the palace empty-handed. When the king heard of the turn of events, he said, “Perhaps the man wants some honor. After all, he did save my son from death. I will send a delegation of dignitaries to him, to pay their respects. However, the peasant was unimpressed and refused to release the prince.
The king was upset at the peasant’s audacity, and threatened the peasant with a simple letter. In it, the king stipulated that unless the prince was returned home by Friday 12 noon, the peasant would be killed.
Friday morning arrived, and by ten o’clock neither the peasant nor the prince could be found anywhere. At precisely 12:00 there was a knock on the palace doors, which were opened to the peasant with the prince at his side. The reunion was very emotional, and after a few minutes the peasant turned to leave.
“One minute,” called out the king. “I will not do anything to you. You saved my son. But I must you ask you one question. Why did you refuse to return my son? And why did you wait until the very last moment to bring him home? How could you think of doing this to the king? Weren’t you concerned that by defying the king you put your life in jeopardy?”
“My master the king,” said the man. “I am a simple peasant who lives near the forest. I don’t have much in my life, but cutting trees and drawing water. When I saw the bandits capture your son, I immediately recognized it was the prince. I jumped at the opportunity to execute a special mission in my life and to have the prince with me in my home. When you sent the dignitaries, I knew that if I released the prince my unique role in life would be over. I therefore refused to release him until I had no choice.”
The peasant concluded, “Although I angered the king, I knew I was making a deal with the king. I turned down the messengers and ignored the letter. My life had purpose.”
The peasant revealed an important lesson. Even when one is experiencing pain and difficulties, he should always remember that it is Hashem who is dispensing the nisyonos. One needs to know that he is not negotiating with “bad luck” but with the King of all kings. We are connected to Hashem, our merciful Father, who conducts the world with the greatest Divine Providence. The rod and staff comfort me.
