Everyone certainly remembers the “pouch” we prepared together toward the end of chapter 2 of Shaar Habitachon, the pouch filled with pesukim. We learned about the need to prepare short, poignant sayings for times of challenge. When there is a storm, imbalance, or helplessness, it is not the time to go searching in sefarim. At such times one must quickly pull out the weapons that are prepared in the pouch close to his heart.
For this reason we repeat sayings, such as “Gam zu l’tovah,” “Everything Hashem does is for the best,” or the passuk that has been put to a tune: “For there was a reason from Hashem.” We can also add, “He is a Shield to all those who trust in Him,” and there are many more pesukim and short, poignant sayings that give eternal answers that can straighten our hearts and help us to regain our equilibrium in one second.
In chapter 6 Rabbenu Bachyai speaks against those who “take collateral from Hashem,” those who claim, “First Hashem should give me good things, and afterward I will do mitzvos.” Rabbenu Bachyai describes how foolish their behavior is, how it proves that they do not believe in Hashem, Who is Kol Yachol, and Who has proven His loyalty at all times, from the Creation of the world and until today.
If a poor man promises that he will pay back a small loan, we demand that he give something for collateral so that he will not evade payment. But if we’re talking about a wealthy man, it would be very embarrassing to ask for collateral for a small loan, and this is certainly the case when the king of the country is the one who is promising to pay. The kingdom’s finances are extremely secure, and there is no doubt that the king will pay what he promised.
Hakadosh Baruch Hu says (Chagai 2), “Mine is the silver and Mine is the gold!” and He concludes, “so says Hashem Tzevakos.” This is a prophecy with a clear and eternal insignia, so that all can know without a doubt that the silver and the gold belong to the Ribbono shel Olam alone!
The mefarshim expand the meaning of this wondrous passuk. This nevuah was said when Bnei Yisrael were about to build the second Beis Hamikdash. They were wondering, how could they build this House for Hashem? You need a lot of silver and a lot of gold to do that! Chagai Hanavi told them: “Mine is the silver and Mine is the gold.” You don’t have to worry; there will be money. Hakadosh Baruch Hu will bring it, for as Rashi explains, “And it is in My Hands to bring that which I desired.” Ibn Ezra explains: “In every place it is Mine, and I will wondrously put it into the hearts of all those who have it to bring the gold to My House.” Radak explains: In Whoever’s Hands it is, it is Mine, and it is in My control to take it from one person and give it to another.”
What an exciting passuk! What chizuk, what greatness! We all know that most people who read these words need money, clothing, food, and necessities for Yom Tov and simchahs.
So much money! Noting the facts and figures, it seems as if we are standing before an impossible task. How do you get to the end of the month? How do you get through life’s events, along with the simplest of needs, which cost a fortune?
This is when one should remove from his pouch this powerful passuk from the time of the building of the second Beis Hamikdash (and you could also think about how it applies to the mortgage for an apartment where the Shechinah will rest). “Mine is the silver and Mine is the gold!” No one is the boss over money. Why is it called zuzim? Because it moves (zaz) from one person to another. Who moves it? The true Boss – thus says Hashem Tzevakos!
And so, on a regular weekday, a Yid sees all the charges going off his account, and he calls out to Hashem from his heart. No, there is no need to shout. We can ask quietly, in a whisper, but with true kavanah: Ribbono shel Olam, You are Kol Yachol. You testified through Chagai Hanavi: “Mine is the silver and Mine is the gold.” You are the Boss over everything, You see my situation, and You know that I have no idea how to manage. But You are the Master of all ideas, the Navigator of all circumstances, and the One Who fills all the bank accounts. You will certainly arrange for everything. “Show us, Hashem, Your chessed, and give us Your salvation.”
Every time fear and worry creep up, we immediately take the words “Mine is the silver and Mine is the gold” out of our pockets, and peace and serenity return. Because we are in the Hands of our Father, and He does everything for our good. He cares for us and has mercy on us and on the members of our household, more than anyone else. And there is no doubt that He will send us His yeshuos.
May we be zocheh to see the chessed of Hashem yisbarach, with abundant of bounty, blessings and success, and with much joy; amen.
