Riding High

G-d told Moses to encourage the people to remember their history, recalling how G-d chose them to be His people, gave them the Torah, and shepherded them through the desert on their way from Egypt to the Land of Israel.

He made them ride on the highest place on earth, in order that they might eat the produce of its fields. He nurtured them with honey from a rock, and oil from a flint-stone.

Deut. 32:13

Our task in life, as reflected in this verse, is squarely centered “on earth,” to refine and elevate the physical world by raising its Divine consciousness.

Nevertheless, in order for us to effectively do this, G-d has figuratively placed us “on the highest place on earth,” that is, He has made us intrinsically separate and aloof from the downward pull of materiality. Moreover, “He made us ride” on this “highest place,” meaning that He put us in control of steering the world toward its true and ultimate goal.

Thus, as the humble representatives of G-d and His Torah on earth, we should view ourselves as the world’s stewards, selflessly

and devotedly inspiring humanity to realize its fullest potential and teaching it how best to do so. When we assume this attitude, we are assured that the world will respond respectfully and lovingly.

—From Daily Wisdom 3