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Why does the Torah (תורה) say about idols "asher lo tzivisi" (that I did not empower) rather than "I did not command you to serve them"? Jews uniquely possess the power to empower Hashem (ה׳) through prayer and allegiance. This same spiritual power can be tragically misdirected toward idolatry, giving false gods actual strength that Hashem never granted them directly.
This shiur explores a profound textual difficulty in Parshas Shoftim regarding the Torah (תורה)'s description of idolatry. The Torah states about those who worship celestial bodies "asher lo tzivisi" - literally "that I did not empower" - rather than the clearer phrase "that I did not command you to serve." Rashi (רש"י) follows the Talmudic interpretation that reads it as "I did not command you to serve them," which matches how the Sages translated this verse for King Ptolemy to avoid theological confusion. The shiur builds on a fundamental teaching from Rav Chaim Volozhin about the unique relationship between Jews and Hashem (ה׳). When Jews pray and show allegiance to Hashem, they actually add energy and empowerment to Him - "tenu oz leilokim." This is not because God needs anything, but because Hashem created the world with a built-in dynamic where the King requires the allegiance of His people ("ein melech b'li am"). Through this relationship, Jews can accomplish real spiritual work and earn genuine reward.
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Parshas Shoftim 17:3
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Why didn't Noach daven for his generation while Avrohom advocated for Sedom? Noach viewed each person as an independent island responsible only for their own teshuvah. Avrohom understood that all humanity is interconnected through shared perspective and values, making prayer for others both possible and necessary.
