Rashi cites the Midrash that explains how Bnei Yisrael were able to secure shittim wood in the desert. These trees did not grow all over the wilderness. Yaakov Avinu had brought these cedars to Egypt. He “saw” that one day his descendants would leave Egypt and build a Mishkan which would require this type of wood for its construction. Let us take a moment to think about Yaakov’s foresight. He prepared for his children’s spiritual future. What about their material/physical existence? What did he provide for them? Nothing! Indeed, Bnei Yisrael are lauded for following Hashem into the desert, trusting in Him for sustenance and relying on Him for their physical needs.
Horav Eliyahu Meir Bloch, zl, derives a profound lesson from here regarding the Torah’s perspective in distinguishing between spiritual and physical needs. In regard to spiritual needs, concerning building a Mishkan or any edifice that serves a spiritual function, one should not rely on a miracle. He must go out and act, doing whatever is in his power to create a m’kom kedushah that will inspire himself and others with spiritual ascendancy. When it comes to material necessities, however, one should be bote’ach b’Hashem, trust in the Almighty, that He will sustain, support and provide for his needs. Yaakov Avinu concerned himself with the spiritual needs of his descendants. For the fulfillment of their physical needs, he relied upon Hashem.
