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Devarim: The Power of a Mitzva

While recounting his battles with Sichon and Og, Moshe recalls that Hashem specifically told him not to fear Og. But why did Moshe need this reassurance regarding Og, and not Sichon?

Rashi explains what it was about Og that Moshe was afraid of. Chazal tell us that Og was the one who informed Avraham that Lot had been captured. Moshe was afraid that this merit of assisting Avraham would protect Og.

Yet, pointed out R’ Reuven Grozovsky, Og did not tell this to Avraham in order to assist him. Quite the opposite – Chazal tell us that what Og was really hoping for was that Avraham would be killed in battle, so that Og might be able to marry Sarah.

From here, continued R’ Reuven Grozovsky, we can see the power of a Mitzva. Og did not actually do anything to help Avraham rescue Lot; he merely informed Avraham that Lot was captured, and he did so hoping that information would harm Avraham. Yet, Moshe was concerned that this single Mitzva might be enough to save Og in battle. We can only imagine how incredible the value of a single Mitzva of ours, done intentions that are at least purer than Og’s, must be.

לע״נ דוד חיים בן ישראל דוב הכהן
לע״נ ר׳ חים דוב בן ר׳ בןציון שלום