Thanks A Lot by Doniel Sherman
(2007/5767)
Bilam, unable to curse the Jews directly, decided to weaken Bnei Yisrael spiritually by causing us to sin through immorality. He believed that if Bnei Yisrael lost their spiritual bond with Hashem, He would stop protecting them. Therefore, he advised Moav to send its daughters to act promiscuously with Jewish men and entice them to worship Baal Peor. One of the tribal chiefs, Zimri ben Salu, was enticed by Cozbi, a Midianite princess, and acted licentiously in front of the elders of Bnei Yisrael. Pinchas zealously defended Hashem’s honor by killing Zimri and Cozbi.
Hashem tells Moshe to wage war against Midyan in response. Such a command is puzzling. Although Midyan participated in Bilam’s plan, it was Moav which started the entire problem by hiring Bilam. Why does Hashem command that Midyan be fought and Moav left alone? Rashi answers that although Moav instigated the fight with Bnei Yisrael, it had a justified reason in doing so. Am Yisrael was located in Moav en route to Eretz Yisrael. Consequently, it was understandable that the Moavim were afraid. Midyan, on the other hand, had no reason to interfere with Bnei Yisrael. Bnei Yisrael had no plans to pass through Midyan on their way to Eretz Yisrael. Their participation in Bilam’s plot was purely malicious. This is why the command to fight was directed at Midyan and not at Moav.
Moshe’s response to Hashem’s battle command, though, is quite startling. Instead of preparing to lead the battle himself, he appoints Pinchas to lead the war. How could Moshe seemingly disobey Hashem’s command by delegating authority to another?
Tosafot answer that Moshe was teaching us a crucial lesson. Since Moshe lived in Midyan for several years, it would not have been proper for him to fight against Midyan. HaKarat HaTov, Moshe shows, supersedes Hashem’s command, because ingratitude contradicts the Mitzvah of VeHalachta BeDrachav, following in the ways of Hashem. Thus, Moshe’s appointing Pinchas to battle Midyan accomplished the task Hashem had set forth while still allowing Moshe to maintain his sense of gratitude towards a nation that sheltered him in his youth. It is important to recognize the good others do for us, even if that other happens to be an enemy.
-Adapted from a Dvar Torah by Rabbi Yisroel Ciner