PROMISE OF SERENITY

דברים פרק לג, כח וַיִּשְׁכּן יִשְׂרָאֵל בֶּטַח בָּדָד עֵין יַעֲקֹב

And Yisrael can dwell in safety, alone, the appearance of Yaacov

Makkos 24a: Moshe stated a blessing "v'Yishkon Yisrael Betach Badad Ein Yakov", only applies to those who are like Yaacov; but Amos the Prophet came and adjusted what Moshe said (7,5) "Chadal Na Mi Yakum Yakov Ki Katan Hu”, only a few can be like Yaacov, but all can be eligible for serenity.

Rivan: Moshe used the words “Ain Yaacov” to indicate that only the select of the Jews (Tzadikim who are unique like Yaacov) would receive this blessing to be secure. Amos nullified this limitation and stated that any Jew even those that are not able to do all the mitzvos, may obtain this blessing of serenity. Then HaShem agreed with Amos (7,6), “HaShem nichem al zos” that even Beinonim (level below Tzadikim) were eligible for this blessing.

Maharsha: Moshe used the word “Yisrael” which indicates the elite of the Jews will be eligible for this blessing of serenity. When the Jews do the Will of HaShem they are called Yisrael. Whereas, when the Jews do not do the Will of HaShem, then they are called "Yaacov" a designation of lower status and they will dwell alone and unsecure. Amos nullified this limitation and declared that even Jews in the status of Yaacov were eligible for this blessing.

Aruch LaNer: HaShem had promised to guard and protect Yaacov. However, this was in the name signifying Rachamim (mercy). Yaacov sought guarantees that even the attribute of Gevurah (judgment) should also recognize the merits of Yaacov. Further, Yaacov also requested the same for the Children of Israel that their good deeds should be recognized, and should not have to rely solely on the mercy of HaShem like a rich person who gives to a poor person. Moshe reinforced this concept that the Jews should obtain recognition of their merits for their good deeds just as Yaacov obtained. Later when Amos saw how much the Jews failed to obtain merits since they were small in their good deeds, he requested that HaShem fulfill the promise to the Jews from His mercy (and HaShem agreed).

Ain Yaacov: Moshe advised the Jews that in order to obtain serenity that needed to dwell apart and not in close groups, in order to avoid conflict and arguments that would sabotage their serenity. Moshe referred to Yaacov that he dwelled alone (to wrestle with Esav's angel and was victorious). Amos recognized that the Jews were able to live together and assist one another (Ahavas Yisrael) to obtain the promise of serenity.

Lubavitcher Rebbe: By decreeing that the Jews would have to be righteous as Yaacov, Moshe was helping the Jews to be righteous with the force of a Torah decree. The intended result was that the Jews would always be connected to HaShem by not sinning in the first place (being righteous as Yaacov). Amos modified the decree allowing the Jewish people to exist as Baalei Teshuvah.

Note: Famous book on the Aggadic selections of the Talmud is called Ain Yaacov עין יעקב (like Yaacov)