Sometimes when watching nature
programs, I marvel at the majesty and the beauty of the creatures being
displayed (often with Sir David Attenborough narrating). And then, a moment later, after admiring the
beauty of the lion, you see it pouncing and killing its prey, and this thing of
beauty turns into something quite savage.
The nature programs often move seamlessly between the beauty and the
beast. We know that certain animals
might be majestic and beautiful to look at, but at the same time, we know that
they can be savage killers.
In this week’s Torah portion, as
Moses continues his final address to the people, he implores the Israelites to
follow God’s ways, making it clear to the people that their suffering in the
past has come about as a result of their rejection of God and the commandments
which were given to them. There is also
a sense of Moses' own mortality with this fear of how they will fare once
they enter into the promised land and he won’t be there to protect them,
leaving them with Joshua and with God.
One of my favorite images from Moses’
song is the comparison he makes between God and an eagle. "Like an eagle who
rouses his nestlings, gliding down to his young, so did God spread God’s wings
and take you, bearing you along on his pinions". This image was first used at
Sinai, as we recalled that God brought us out of Egypt "on eagles’ wings". And
it is an interesting image to use for God. The eagle, which can be dangerous
and deadly, is also associated with rescue and redemption. It has the potential
to be a killer, but it also has the capability to be a savior. In this
context, we are urged to relate to the eagle not as its prey, but as its child;
for the eagle was known to be particularly caring and nurturing of its young.
On the banks of the Jordan Moses’
song emphasizes the fact that God has the power to save and the power to
punish. There is a hope that as we enter the Promised Land God will be like the
eagle hovering overhead, keeping a watch on its young, and ready to swoop down
and protect them if necessary. But the eagle is also, by its nature, a bird of
prey. And there is the implicit threat that this bird of salvation may become
an eagle of death, swooping down to attack rather than diving down to help and
protect them.
As we read this torah portion on
Shabbat Shuvah between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, this imagery of life
hanging in the balance is very appropriate as we consider how we will be judged
by God.
The image of the eagle reminds us
that there is God who can save and God who can punish. At this time of year as we continue with Teshuvah (repentance), Tefillah (prayer), and Tzedakah (righteous deeds) we hope
that we will find the God of salvation waiting for us on Yom Kippur.
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