Shir Hashirim: Divine Separation and Reunification in the Desert

Full Summary

This shiur provides a detailed analysis of pesukim from Shir Hashirim that describe the relationship between HaKadosh Baruch Hu and Knesses Yisrael during the desert period. Rabbi Zweig focuses extensively on determining who is the speaker in each verse - whether it is Hashem (ה׳) or Knesses Yisrael - as they express their longing for each other during the period of divine rebuke following the sin of the spies. The analysis begins with the verse 'ביקשתי ישועת נפשי ביקשתי ולא מצאתי' (I sought the salvation of my soul, I sought but did not find). Rabbi Zweig examines Rashi (רש"י)'s commentary, which explains that this refers to the thirty-eight years when Israel was rebuked and Hashem sat in grief, unable to reach them. The complexity lies in determining whether it is Hashem expressing His inability to reach the rebuked nation, or Knesses Yisrael lamenting their separation from the Divine presence. The shiur continues with the verse 'קמתי ושוטטתי בעיר' (I arose and went about in the city), where Knesses Yisrael searches through the marketplaces and streets. The 'guardians' (שומרים) mentioned in the text are identified as Moshe and Aharon, whom the people ask about Hashem's whereabouts during this period of separation. A crucial turning point comes with the verse 'כמעט שעברתי מהם' (I had scarcely passed them). Rashi explains this refers to the period after the death of Moshe and Aharon, when Hashem returned to help Israel in the days of Yehoshua to conquer thirty-one kings. Rabbi Zweig explores the theological implications of this timing - why the divine assistance resumed specifically after the death of the guardians rather than during their lifetime. The analysis reveals that the conquest of Eretz Yisrael represented the restoration of unity between Hashem and Israel. The phrase 'שהיה עמי בימי יהושע' (that they were with Me in the days of Yehoshua) indicates a renewed partnership in the conquest. However, Rabbi Zweig raises questions about the wars against Sichon and Og, which occurred while Moshe was still alive - were these also part of the restored relationship, or did the full rectification only occur after crossing the Jordan? The shiur distinguishes between different types of divine assistance. While Hashem certainly helped in the wars against Sichon and Og through open miracles, this was not yet the complete restoration described as 'אחזתיו ולא ארפנו' (I grasped him and would not let him go). The full reunification, symbolized by bringing the beloved 'to the house of my mother and to the chamber of she who conceived me,' represents the establishment of the Mishkan in Shiloh after the conquest of the western side of the Jordan. This analysis provides insight into the theological understanding of divine providence during different periods of Jewish history, the significance of leadership figures like Moshe and Aharon as intermediaries, and the special relationship between the Jewish people and Eretz Yisrael as the place where divine presence is most fully manifest.