Ya But Too But God

“…the land is very very good.”—Numbers 14:7

How many times have we heard people say, “You did a good job today, but…” or perhaps we have said to our kids, “You did well on your report card, but…” That tiny word packs a punch. It can transform something positive to negative in a heartbeat.

Think about the report of the twelve spies who were sent to scout Canaan. They reported, “We entered the land you sent us to, and it truly overflows with abundance, as evidenced by its fruit, but the inhabitants are mighty, and the cities are heavily fortified.”

If we would remove that one word, we would have an honest account of what the spies witnessed, and their mission would have been successful. Unfortunately, we can’t remove that one word, but. It is that one word that changed their objective statement into a subjective one, causing sorrow, confusion and a loss of faith.

Interestingly, the Hebrew word used in the verse, which translates to “but,” is “efes,” also means “zero.” This alludes to the power contained within the word “but,” as it has the ability to transform everything into zero, into nothingness. The abundance of milk, honey, and prosperity in the Promised Land held no significance for the children of Israel after the spies insinuated that conquering the land would be dangerous and unattainable. This tiny word modified their entire report and, consequently, the course of the people’s destiny.

Years later, after Joshua successfully led the people into Canaan, he composed a new prayer. This prayer, still recited daily, incorporates the phrase “efes zulato,” which translates to “there is nothing but Him (God).”

It is no coincidence that Joshua, one of only two spies who disagreed with the others, employed the same word that had caused his colleagues so much trouble. His prayer teaches us that there is one instance when we should utilize the word ‘but’—when we proclaim, “There is nothing but God.”

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Above lesson copied and republished from RABBI MOSHE ROTHCHILD web page.