Israel and the Nations

As a result of the focus on Eliezer, the faithful servant of Avraham, Rav Kook discussed some interesting observations about the nations of the world.

He felt that their attitude towards the Jewish people was destined to go through changes. There would initially be a major gap in their understanding of the inherent holiness of the “chosen people” as well as the “Holy Land.”

Rav Kook felt that it was significant that even if the Gentile diligently observed the Seven Noachide Laws, there was no such thing as יהרג ואל יעבור, that one had to risk their lives rather than violate the laws. Aside from their being a huge difference between 613 commandments as opposed to seven, there was also a great difference in the way that these laws were observed.
The fact that there was no special law of ונקדשתי בתוך בני ישראל, that Hashem be sanctified among the children of Israel, it set the Jews apart from the non-Jews. They could achieve righteousness but the Jews could achieve holiness.

The ultimate relationship between Israel and the nations would be highly positive. Despite the tensions that existed over the generations, the Gentile would eventually “get it.” He will realize that the Jew had a special destiny that they did not understand or appreciate.

Rav Kook quotes a verse that appears twice in the Prophets, in the Books of Isaiah and Micha. The nations of the world will say, לכו ונעלה אל הר ה׳, “Let us go up to the mountain of Hashem.” There will be a realization that “Out of Zion, the Torah will go out.” They will respect and emulate the Jewish people.

We have witnessed a great change in our lifetimes in terms of the attitude towards Israel and the Jewish people. We are still faced with vicious enemies wishing to destroy us. But at the same time, we are finding more and more non Jews like Mike Huckabee, who openly express their admiration for us. We are living in incredibly historic times.