Brave Hearts: Soldiers Standing Strong against Fear

Being Jewish, it's natural to feel a sense of fear when considering our small numbers among a vast quantity of enemies. The large demonstrations we've witnessed recently against the Jewish people abroad demonstrated significant power. The thought of where things are heading, especially as our enemies continue to multiply consistently and rapidly, sends chills down our spines.

The Torah provides guidance on how to overcome the fear instilled by many enemies, advising us not to fear their large numbers. The Pasuk says: "When you see a nation much larger than yours, do not fear." The reason behind this instruction is that they are considered insignificant in the eyes of Hashem, who does not get impressed by large numbers, and since He leads our warfare, we need not worry.

Rashi tells us that all the horses and chariots are considered as one in Hashem's eyes. This means that not only is the enormous number of enemies not impressive, but even their many weapons and ammunition are nothing in Hashem's eyes.

The Torah reiterates the idea that we should not fear a large quantity of enemies, emphasizing that Hashem is infinitely greater than them, stating(דברים ז, יז-כד) : “Should you say to yourselves, These nations are more numerous than we; how can we dispossess them?

You need have no fear of them. You have but to bear in mind what Hashem did to Pharaoh and all the Egyptians: Do not stand in dread of them, for your Hashem is in your midst, a great and awesome God.”

The Torah also instructs us not to fear their great and fortified cities, which may seem impossible for us to conquer. Sometimes, the people inhabiting those cities may appear great and lofty. However, the same idea applies: in Hashem's eyes, they are worthless. The pasuk says (דברים ט א-ג):
“Hear, O Israel! You are about to cross the Jordan to go in and dispossess nations greater and more populous than you: great cities with walls sky-high; people great and tall, the Anakites, of whom you have knowledge; for you have heard it said, “Who can stand up to the children of Anak?”
Know then this day that none other than Hashem is crossing at your head, a devouring fire; it is [Hashem] who will wipe them out—subduing them before you, that you may quickly dispossess and destroy them, as Hashem promised you.”

Chazal(תנחומא תולדות ה’) also address this fear, comparing our nation to a sheep among 70 wolves.
They tell us of an exchange that Andrianos had with Rabbi Yehoshua concerning the miracle of how Am Yisrael survives despite the dangers they face from the entire world trying to annihilate them. Adrianus said to Rabbi Yehoshua, "How great is the sheep that stands among seventy wolves!"- comparing us to sheep and the seventy nations of the world to wolves. He replied to him, "Great is the shepherd who rescues her, guards her, and breaks them before her. Be confident, for no vessel formed against you shall succeed."

Rabbi Yehoshua referred to Hashem as the shepherd who saves the sheep, as King David said (Tehilim 23): "Hashem is my shepherd, I lack nothing."

Some explain that the way Hashem saves the sheep from all the wolves is by inciting one wolf against another. While they fight among themselves, the sheep can escape. This parable seems to align with the explanation of the Kli Yakar in our parasha(דברים כ, א) .

The Kli Yakar poses several questions regarding the following pasuk(דברים כ, א) : "When you go out to battle against your enemy and you see a horse and chariot and a nation more numerous than you - you shall not fear them." The Kli Yakar questions why the Torah changes from singular to plural in this sentence. It starts with one horse and chariot but continues in the plural form. This pattern repeats itself more than once. The Kli Yakar offers a profound insight that can instill hope within us. The reason the pasuk begins in the singular form is because when enemies rise against us, they often unite with other nations to form a unified front against us. Just as we witnessed many countries in the Middle East region, though historical adversaries, unite to declare war against the Jewish nation. However, Hashem intervenes by inciting these nations against each other, causing them to lose strength and a common goal. As a result, Israel is spared from their combined onslaught.
This sends a profound message to us as well: when we are united, we can overcome very hard challenges and enemies. However, when we aren't united, we stumble at every turn and are likely to be defeated in battle.
Because of the reasons mentioned above, before the soldiers went into battle, the Kohen would address them to encourage and strengthen their resolve. He would say: "Hear, O Israel! You are about to join battle with your enemy. Let not your courage falter. Do not fear, panic, or dread them. For it is Hashem who marches with you to do battle for you against your enemy, to bring you victory.”

The Abarbanel explains that the Kohen offered the soldiers three levels of encouragement:
a. They should recognize that they are fighting a war for the honor of the nation and must fight bravely, not retreat as cowards, as this would diminish the nation's honor.
b. They should understand that it was their nation that initiated the war, and once they have committed to the battle, they must pursue their mission without backing down.
c. Lastly, they should realize that they are facing a brutal and evil enemy who will not hesitate to be cruel to those who fall into their hands. Therefore, they must fight with all their might, knowing they have no other choice.