Why Unity Matters: The Spiritual Power of a United People

After a long period of division, it seems that the overwhelming majority of our nation longs for unity. A sudden attack, national loss, collective concern for hostages, and a shared, sincere prayer have all led to a renewed sense of togetherness.

This raises an important question: what is the spiritual gain of being a united people?

Moses’ Discovery: The Danger of Division

The importance of unity can already be seen in the story of Moses. After growing up in Pharaoh’s palace, Moses went out to observe the suffering of his fellow Hebrews. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew and responded by killing the Egyptian.

The next day, Moses saw two Hebrews fighting with each other and asked: “Why are you striking your fellow?”

One of them replied: “Do you intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?”

At that moment, Moses realized that the incident had been reported to Pharaoh. In response, he said: “Indeed, the matter is known.”

Why Moses Was Afraid

The Midrash explains that Moses was not only afraid for himself, but he feared for the fate of the entire nation.

If slander, informing, and internal division exist among the people, this is precisely what makes them deserving of exile. As long as such division persists, they may not be worthy of redemption.

God chose the Jewish people without any natural or logical explanation. It is a suprarational choice — a unique bond initiated by God.

Moses was therefore shocked to discover the presence of harmful speech and division among his people, because this contradicts their very essence as a unified nation.

God chose one united people, not a fragmented one.

Unity as a Condition for Redemption

Moses feared that internal division could jeopardize that divine choice and delay their redemption.

In Egypt, however, the intense suffering ultimately dissolved their divisions. The people cried out together, with one voice, to God.

At that moment — when they became one people again, they were once more worthy of redemption, and God delivered them.

A Message for Today

In our own time, the pain and difficulty we experience can be transformed into an opportunity for unity.

We are called to come together, to cry out as one people, with one voice, for the safe return of our soldiers, and for true victory.

Just as in Egypt, when we become united again, we become worthy of God’s renewed choice in us as a complete and whole nation.

And then, God will bring us a true and complete redemption.