Introduction:
The history of Ancient Israel is marked by triumph and decline. For a period, the nation was powerful enough to resist it enemies, but eventually, it met its downfall. A crucial factor in Israel’s fate was its internal unity, for the might of a nation is intrinsically tied to its level of cohesion. This essay presents two distinct paths that Ancient Israel traversed in its quest for unity: the total embrace of the divine law, and the pursuit of knowledge of the one true God through prophecy.
The ability to forge unity played a pivotal role in the survival and prosperity of Ancient Israel. By investigating these contrasting paths, we can glean invaluable insights into the challenges inherent in fostering unity within the diverse society that characterizes the Jewish nation today and ensuring its survival and prosperity.
Self-Abnegation Through the Law:
One approach taken to unify the diverse people of Israel was strict implementation of the divine law. This comprehensive set of rules and regulations demands suspension of the self in submission to a higher authority, which strips away the personal interests and individualistic tendencies that can lead to conflict and strife. The central notion of the Law, introduced by Moses, revolves around the unknowability of God. From this idea stems the principle of the insufficiency of reason and the necessity of a revealed law, resembling a form of slavery.1 Not out of reason does a person fulfill the dictates of the Law, but out of duty. The Law presented a vision for the nation of Israel emphasizing suspension of reason and self: Israel would stand before and stand for the unknowable God. When fully embraced, this approach offered a way to standardize divergent interests and unite the people with common purpose under a divine authority. People who would negate their own egos and deny their personalities would cooperate fully in the service of their Master’s will, ensuring their nation’s unity.
A complete negation of self in service of the Law, while initially effective in forging unity, was not sustainable in the long run. The human desire for knowledge and self-actualization reemerged, leading individuals to seek understanding and personal growth. This natural inclination undermined the complete subjugation of personal interests, gradually eroding the unity achieved through the Law.
Unity in Knowledge:
An alternative path to unity was taken in ancient Israel: the pursuit of unity through knowledge, particularly a coherent and cohesive understanding of the one true God. If the thoughtful, individuated endeavors of the people were harmonized into a grand, unified vision, Israel would remain strong. Unity in knowledge was fostered through the prophets who followed Moses, who revealed the ideas, beliefs and appropriate practices dependent on the notion of the one God in Whom all the rest of being is anchored. Around the central notion of one God was woven the rich and diverse fabric of society.
The strength derived from unity in knowledge allowed Israel to navigate the challenges posed by external enemies. A shared understanding of God and His world facilitated collective decision-making, cohesive action, and the ability to withstand adversities. By aligning their individual knowledge and beliefs, the ancient Israelites forged a common purpose and identity, creating a formidable nation capable of confronting external threats.
The Dual Unity of Ignorance and Knowledge:
The quest for unity in ancient Israel reveals two distinct paths: unity through ignorance and unity through knowledge. The Law, advocating for the suspension of personal interests and submission before divine authority, represented unity through ignorance. It required individuals to surrender their desires for personal development and enslave their egos. Conversely, unity through knowledge necessitated a shared understanding of the divine and the harmonization of beliefs, allowing individuals to pursue the development of their reason while remaining united in their core outlooks. A nation can be unified if its people have no values of their own, but rather follow a divine law, or if their own values align, and they collectively follow the path of wisdom.
Conclusion:
The rise of ancient Israel can be attributed, in part, to the successful maintenance of unity within a diverse and multifaceted population. While the complete abnegation of self before the Law initially offered a path to unity by stripping away personal interests, it proved unsustainable in the face of human self-interest and the pursuit of knowledge. An alternative approach emerged, centered around unity through knowledge. This path involved harmonizing beliefs and developing a comprehensive understanding of the one true God. The dichotomy of unity in ignorance and unity in knowledge shaped the destiny of ancient Israel, shedding light on the intricate process of unifying a nation with individuals of varied backgrounds and highlighting the inherent tension between personal growth and collective identity.
These factors played a pivotal role in Israel’s success. In the following essay, we will delve into the root causes that led to the ultimate downfall of this ancient nation.
Concepts:
Knowing Hashem/דעת השם
Moses and the Other Prophets/משה ושאר הנביאים
Sources and References:
Exodus 33:13-20
Deuteronomy 1
Isaiah 1