Our Gemara discusses a particular procedure (perhaps hamstringing) that disables an animal. Though it causes the animal suffering, when there is a constructive purpose it is permitted. The Gemara brings a prooftext from Yehoshua (11:6), where God commands him to disable the enemy horses in this fashion (see also Tosafos ibid.).
The Ralbag on this verse makes a powerful point. God gave Yehoshua this specific directive to run counter to the instinct of self-preservation. The captured horses ought to have been repurposed into a Jewish cavalry, thereby increasing the army’s might and effectiveness. Yet, in this particular era of miraculous redemption, God wanted an emphasis on recognizing that these military victories were coming from divine providence and not military might.
In the ancient world, the horse was a powerful commodity and vital part of a strong militia. But as the verses in Tehillim (33:16–17) state:
“Kings are not delivered by a large force; warriors are not saved by great strength. Horses are a false hope for deliverance; for all their great power they provide no escape.”
This was a temporary command to Yehoshua, and ordinarily, outright miracles do not occur and military might and strategy are a necessary part of hishtadlus. Nevertheless, the impression and lesson are meant to last. Despite whatever great weapons we have, it is God’s providence that wins or loses for us.
The recent and remarkable successes of the Israeli and American armed forces against the maniacal and destructive forces of the Iranian regime should be seen in this light.
On June 21, 2025, President Trump stated:
“And I want to just thank everybody. And, in particular, God. I want to just say, we love you, God, and we love our great military. Protect them. God bless the Middle East. God bless Israel and God bless America. Thank you very much. Thank you.”
Netanyahu concluded his address to the Jewish people with the following statement:
“The nation rose as a lion. Am Yisrael Chai. And with God’s help, the eternal people will ensure the eternity of Israel.”
One might say this is cultural and political theater for an Israeli politician. However, correspondent Herb Keinon for the Jerusalem Post (June 23, 2025) makes a compelling observation:
“In a striking departure from his usual style, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opened his post-US attack press conference on Sunday evening by reciting Judaism’s cardinal declaration of faith: Shema Yisrael – ‘Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.’”
Like many Israeli leaders, Netanyahu often peppers his speeches with biblical verses, usually used as cultural or historical touchstones rather than as expressions of personal religiosity. Keinon points out that Netanyahu’s use of the Shema prayer is less typical and perhaps indicative of a deeper religious arousal. In Netanyahu’s own words:
“There are things that look like miracles, but we should not rely on a miracle. The American Evangelicals who help us a lot say: ‘God helps those who help themselves.’ In fateful moments, you are filled with questions of faith. In the end, either you have the faith or you don’t. Yes, that faith beats inside of me. The sense of shlichus (mission) beats within me.”
We are most fortunate to have leaders who are not afraid to thank God publicly for these miracles.