G-d speaks through nature, known as Shechinah, the Divine Presence. Not G-d, but G-d’s Words. That is why we are spiritually uplifted by being in nature, and often have deep revelations in a quiet spot in natural surroundings — if we allow ourselves to receive.
Biblically, it is a battle between man-made matter versus spiritual matter. That is why we are commanded to rise up and destroy the idol-worshippers — which one could interpret as those they worship the material above the non-material. We cannot escape from this, like the Exodus tale, however, we need to create, fashion and/or occupy Holy Land, land that has been blessed by G-d.
In this place that we occupy, we have to remove the idol-worshippers. This process begins in our minds, and then we can begin to build the land upon which we shall be fertile and multiply.
On this land, there can only be truth. Do you know what truth? And if you found this truth, would you be willing to give your life to hold on to this truth that has become your guiding light? Will you recognise those who speak the truth, and will you follow them?
What truth, you ask? I say this to you— if you’ve encountered It, and if you have experienced It, you will be able to recognise It wherever It appears.
Ch. 4. v3-4: Ba’al Peor - why mention it?
- How do we judge great men?
- By the power they have demonstrated
- victories show power
- Stillness, restraint, fairness, kindness and mercy, do not. They demonstrate strength.
- G-d as the “conqueror” for the masses.
- By the power they have demonstrated
“Everyone who followed Ba’al Peor was destroyed; all who clung to HaShem, were spared.”
כל אישׁ אשׁר הלך אחרי בעל־פאור השׁמידוּ ה’ אליךָ מקרבך…
v6-10] Safeguard & perform…. why? שׁמרתם ועשׁיתם
- “In order that the nations will recognise you”
v9: Beware for yourself and beware for your soul (as you enter the land of Israel)
v12: Heard the (voice) sound of the words.
v15: Beware: you saw no תמוּנה - lest you act corruptly
v22-24: Warning … to this day.