By Avraham Sani
After Klal Yisrael sinned by the golden calf, Moshe beseeched Hashem for forgiveness, and begged for Hashem to personally escort them through the journey through the desert. Hashem indeed agreed and didn’t send a messenger. In addition Hashem also promised to make “miracles and wonders that no one had seen ever”. This seems quite puzzling? What miracles could have superseded the incredible ones that they encountered in Egypt and by Kriat Yam Suf and of course Matan Torah also? Weren’t these already so great and magnificent?
The Vilna Gaon explains that a unique miracle was promised here. Hashem gifted Klal Yisrael with the presence of his Shechina to be over the Mishkan and the encampment, and to be visible to all! Although they had the special Shechina previously when they left Egypt, it was only visible to the prophets and lofty ones. At this point, they were all guaranteed to experience the Shechina, despite the fact that many weren’t worthy. This was the grand miracle that even surpassed the previous tremendous ones.
This is a phenomenal idea. Many times we feel inferior and distant to previous generations that were more righteous and full of tzadikim. We often see their written masterpiece sefarim and wonder how they accomplished such monumental achievements. The lesson for us here is to understand that despite out shortcomings, we are nevertheless Zocheh to experience unique miracles and Hashgacha pratit on a daily basis. We merit growth in Torah and mitzvot, all with His help.