A king had many sons and he loved the youngest the most. He also had many possessions but he loved his orchard best of all. The king said “I’ll give the orchard I love to the son that I love.” Similarly Hashem says “Of all the nations I created I love Yisrael the most. And from everything I’ve created what I love most is ______. I will give what I love best to the nation I love best.” (Devarim Rabbah parshas Shoftim)
Can you guess the missing word in this midrash? Which creation does Hashem love best? What is this exclusive gift? Torah? Shabbos? Eretz Yisrael?
Wrong. The missing word is din — judgment.
Surprised? You’re in good company. Most of us don’t view judgment as a gift; the average person tries to avoid thinking about it. We wonder why the Av HaRachaman our Merciful Father can’t just overlook our shortcomings and grant amnesty to the sinner. How do we understand the startling perspective of this Midrash?
The Eleventh Principle of the Rambam’s Thirteen Articles of Faith states: I believe with complete faith that Hashem rewards those who observe His commandments and punishes those who transgress His commandments.
