"And you will behold My back, but My face cannot be seen." This Posuk pertains to Moshe’s plea to actually behold the face of Hashem, and Hashem responded: you can only see My back, not My face. This is the fundamental interpretation of the Posuk. Nonetheless, the Chasam Sofer provides a profound understanding and a significant teaching about serving Hashem, based on this posuk: Events and circumstances are continually unfolding in a person’s life. All actions occur according to a divine plan from Hashem, but the series of events and challenges encountered often appear strange and are not easily comprehended. However, once Hashem’s purpose is achieved, one recognizes the immense journey and insight of Hashem meaning only at the back end of the story, will you then see how beautiful My plan was. This is the meaning of the posuk: You will see My back, indicating that only at the conclusion of the story will you recognize the beauty of My plan; however, My face, referring to the initial phase, will be beyond your understanding until the plan unfolds.
Shlomo Hamelech says in Koheles (7:8) The end of a matter is better than the beginning of it. Better a patient spirit than a haughty spirit. To understand the connection of the two parts of this Posuk, we can base on the words of the Chasam Sofer:
The end to everything that happens to a person is always good, and it was destined to be so in the beginning. But a person can say, I don’t see that it is good. Therefore, Shlomo says in the second part: Better a patient spirit than a haughty spirit. You should understand that everything that is done to you is always for the good and be patient and you would see that it is good. This would give peace of mind, then being arrogant and having a haughty spirit. This alludes to your questioning the ways of Hashem. Know that Hashem knows from the beginning that it is good and at the end you will see that it is good.
This follows us to another Posuk in Yeshayohu 46:10: I foretell the end from the beginning, And from the start, things that had not occurred. I say: My plan shall be fulfilled; I will do all I have purposed. These are powerful words: Hashem foretells from the beginning and from the start when things didn’t even start. and know what will be the end plan. Therefore, the solution is to know "My plan shall be fulfilled; I will do all I have purposed." Hashem is saying that the plan will be fulfilled and will be good. Of course one should pray and believe to Hashem that we should see that it is good. But as Shlomo said “Better a patient spirit than a haughty spirit.” As long as you don’t see the light, have patience, as it will come.
Dovid Hamelech tells us in Tehillim 85:8: Show us, Hashem, Your faithfulness; grant us Your deliverance. This Posuk has a powerful message. We must pray to Hashem to show us that whatever is occurring is really Chesed, and if we pray for this, then He will hasten our Yeshua and we will see it clearly.
This was likewise the miracle of Purim. It started with the wicked Achashverosh who ascended to the throne. The Gemarra Megillah 11a indicates he lacked intelligence entirely. He didn't come from royal lineage, and his riches earned him the throne. These weaknesses resulted in him consenting to kill his wife, Queen Vashti, while being intoxicated and without any valid reason, which was quite strange! A wicked Haman was raised above all other officials and had a close relationship with the king. Picture what individuals believed! Their fate was sealed. However, Hashem intervened, and Esther was chosen to be the queen. This route was strange once more, and the Yidden were concerned for her safety, yet ultimately it was Esther who convinced Achashverosh to execute Haman. It was because of her that Klal Yisroel was saved. In every story's concluding line, we understand and trace carefully how all is the creation of Hashem and accomplished with intelligence. Suddenly, everything holds significance and purpose, and all that occurred becomes clear.
Hashem should open our hearts and eyes to realize what a beautiful world He created that runs with precision and with great goodness for all. Keep on praying.
For the Chesed of Hashem is eternal and forever is good. The first part of Ani Maamin is so important to dwell on. We believe that Hashem created and still creates us everyday and is the leader of all creatures. All we have to do is do good deeds and daven to Hashem. He will hasten our Yeshua. Everything is good and will be better.
(Yehuda Z. Klitnick)
