01-26-2025, 09:22 PM
We see Moses’ life filled with both suffering and moments of joy. However, overall, his life was more closely associated with difficult missions and spiritual burdens, with suffering seemingly occupying a larger proportion. Yet, within this suffering also contained the glory and fulfillment of his deep walk with G-d.
[b]1. The Sufferings in Moses' Life:[/b]
Moses' life can be divided into three 40-year periods, marking stages of spiritual awakening and representing ascension through four spiritual worlds: 0-40 years old, awakening from Asiyah to Yetzirah; 40-80 years old, awakening from Yetzirah to Beriah; 80-120 years old, awakening from Beriah to Atzilut. The early stages of his physical life involved more suffering, but as he progressively awakened, his suffering gradually shifted from the physical to the spiritual realm, and similarly, his spiritual joy became increasingly transcendent and profound.
As Psalm 90:10 (a prayer of Moses) says: "Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away."
This expresses Moses' deep understanding of the brevity and hardship of life, but his life ultimately became extraordinary because of G-d's grace. Human life is short, and few people experience the complete four spiritual worlds, but those who experience one or two spiritual awakenings begin to understand the differences in the rules of conduct in different spiritual worlds and see the weakness, lack, and struggles of souls in the lower worlds. Only then can they truly provide different kinds of help according to the needs of different souls. It is called wisdom.
[b]1. The Sufferings in Moses' Life:[/b]
- [b]Separation from Family in Childhood: Moses was born during a time when the Egyptian Pharaoh was cruelly persecuting the Israelites (Exodus 1:22). To save his life, he was placed in a basket by his mother and set adrift, eventually being adopted by Pharaoh's daughter (Exodus 2:1-10). He lost the companionship of his family from a young age, marking the beginning of his early suffering.[/b]
- [b]Exile and Loneliness: As an adult, Moses killed an Egyptian who was mistreating a Hebrew, forcing him to flee to Midian, where he lived in exile for 40 years, far from his homeland and his people (Exodus 2:11-22). During this time, he experienced loneliness and uncertainty about the future.[/b]
- [b]The Burden of Leading the Israelites: Moses accepted G-d's call to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, which became the greatest challenge of his life. The Israelites repeatedly complained, rebelled, and disbelieved G-d in the wilderness (Exodus 16:2-3, Numbers 14:1-4). When the people complained to G-d, Moses knelt before the rebellious crowd and constantly interceded for them before G-d. This spiritual and emotional burden was a great source of suffering and humiliation.[/b]
- [b]Not Entering the Promised Land: Although Moses faithfully completed G-d's mission, G-d did not allow him to physically enter the Promised Land, which became one of the greatest regrets of his life.[/b]
- [b]G-d's Calling and Presence: When Moses was called by G-d, he personally experienced the burning but unconsumed bush, an experience that evoked a sense of gratitude for G-d's salvation (Exodus 3:2-6). Afterward, he spoke with G-d face to face many times, experiencing G-d's glory (Exodus 33:11-23). This experience of intimate communion with G-d was a glory and fulfillment that is difficult for others to attain.[/b]
- [b]The Salvation of the Israelites: During the Exodus, Moses witnessed G-d's great power, especially the parting of the Red Sea and the destruction of Pharaoh's army (Exodus 14:21-31). He led the people in singing praises to G-d after their victory (Exodus 15:1-21), which was not only physical comfort but also a joy of the heart.[/b]
- [b]Receiving the Law: On Mount Sinai, Moses received the law personally given by G-d and witnessed G-d's glory (Exodus 19-20). Although this was a solemn experience, it was also a great spiritual achievement for Moses as G-d's spokesperson.[/b]
- [b]Seeing the Promised Land: Although Moses did not enter the Promised Land, at the end of his life, G-d allowed him to see it from Mount Nebo (Deuteronomy 34:1-4). This can be seen as G-d's comfort and blessing to him, a true and eternal spiritual joy.[/b]
Moses' life can be divided into three 40-year periods, marking stages of spiritual awakening and representing ascension through four spiritual worlds: 0-40 years old, awakening from Asiyah to Yetzirah; 40-80 years old, awakening from Yetzirah to Beriah; 80-120 years old, awakening from Beriah to Atzilut. The early stages of his physical life involved more suffering, but as he progressively awakened, his suffering gradually shifted from the physical to the spiritual realm, and similarly, his spiritual joy became increasingly transcendent and profound.
As Psalm 90:10 (a prayer of Moses) says: "Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away."
This expresses Moses' deep understanding of the brevity and hardship of life, but his life ultimately became extraordinary because of G-d's grace. Human life is short, and few people experience the complete four spiritual worlds, but those who experience one or two spiritual awakenings begin to understand the differences in the rules of conduct in different spiritual worlds and see the weakness, lack, and struggles of souls in the lower worlds. Only then can they truly provide different kinds of help according to the needs of different souls. It is called wisdom.