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14 shiurim in this series
Why does Sefer Yehoshua begin a new book and suddenly emphasize Torah study when no new mitzvos are given? The transition from Moshe to Yehoshua marks the fundamental shift from dependence to independence - Torah authority transferred from direct divine communication to human psak through Sanhedrin. Simultaneously, Hashem established arvus (collective responsibility) because true independence requires guaranteeing others' commitment, not just personal observance.
Why is Moshe called 'Eved Hashem' when being a servant seems inferior to being God's children? The shiur develops that humans have dual natures - soul (relating as children) and body (relating as servants). Moshe uniquely perfected both aspects, making his physical being itself a vehicle for divine presence, which is why his death required transitioning to ordinary human leadership.
How could Yehoshua send spies after the catastrophic failure of Moshe's spies forty years earlier? The distinction lies between 'achievers' who feel responsible for guaranteed results versus 'doers' who focus on sincere effort while trusting outcomes to Hashem. Moshe's spies were tasked with strategic planning for victory, making them subjective and fearful, while Yehoshua's were simple scouts gathering information for action.
If the eastern side of the Jordan is fully part of Eretz Yisrael, why did Moshe still 'not enter the land'? The shiur develops a chiddush that Eretz Yisrael originally had two portions - east for Eisav (physical action) and west for Yaakov (spiritual realm). When Eisav rejected his inheritance, his portion remained with different spiritual characteristics requiring the Jordan crossing as a transformative threshold.
Why did Hashem orchestrate 40 years without brit milah, then require mass circumcision before entering Eretz Yisrael? The shiur develops the principle that brit milah creates spiritual sensitivity against avodah zarah, essential for a land where Hashem rules directly without intermediaries. This explains why only Shevet Levi maintained circumcision in the desert—they are eternal guardians against idolatry.
How could Yehoshua bow to an angel when this is forbidden? The shiur develops that we relate to Hashem in two ways: externally as separate from creation, and internally recognizing that all reality is ultimately Him. Bowing to Matatron and removing shoes at holy places represents connecting to this internal divine reality where 'Ein Od Milvado.'
Why did Joshua's angel emphasize Torah study during wartime, and why were scholars required to lead military campaigns? The shiur develops a yesod that Jewish warfare serves dual functions: territorial conquest and executing divine judgment on condemned nations. This judicial dimension explains why wars required Sanhedrin approval and why Torah knowledge was essential for those implementing God's verdicts.
Why is studying Torah a mitzvah while studying science is not, when both involve God's wisdom? The shiur develops a yesod that nature isn't a set of programmed laws but God's constant, active communication to us. When science becomes a vehicle for perceiving these divine messages - as Yaakov Avinu perfected - it transforms into Torah study itself.
Why did Achan's theft from the cherem cause collective punishment and break down Israel's mutual responsibility? The shiur develops a yesod based on the Peretz-Zerach narrative that Achan embodied leadership through control rather than relationship. His belief that only physically possessed items are truly owned made him immune to social influence, explaining both his rationalization and why confession was his path to teshuvah.
Why does the war against Ai proceed so differently after Achan's execution? The shiur traces Yehoshua's transformation from prophet to king, showing how his execution of Achan (based on confession alone) and subsequent military strategy reflect royal rather than prophetic authority. This shift from divine warfare to human sovereignty represents the Jewish people's spiritual growth into true nationhood.
What connects Adam and Chava's nakedness, the serpent's cunning, and the Givonim's deception? The word 'ormah' reveals a lack of self-awareness that can enable either evil or greatness. True wisdom requires setting aside ego to learn from anyone, while genuine fear of Heaven demands selfless devotion that creates peace even with non-Jews.
How can people 'war against God' without being dismissed as insane? The shiur develops a yesod from the Rambam about spiritual intermediaries: people mistakenly believe God has delegated independent power to celestial forces, making them think they can fight these 'separate' powers. The suspension of the sun and moon during Joshua's battle demonstrates that all forces are direct manifestations of divine unity, not independent powers to be conquered.
Why would Hashem use seemingly random lots to divide Eretz Yisrael among the tribes? The goral reveals a dual ownership structure: all tribes collectively own the entire land, while individual portions are assigned through lots. This explains why the specific selection doesn't matter spiritually - since everyone owns everything collectively, the particular division is secondary to the fundamental shared ownership.
Why was establishing cities of refuge the first priority after conquering Eretz Yisrael, and why did Moshe establish eastern cities with no immediate legal effect? The primary purpose wasn't providing sanctuary but creating a 'presence of law' that prevents murder by instilling respect for human life. This explains the Torah's emphasis on crime prevention through education rather than deterrence through punishment.
