Chasidut for Numbers 21:18

And I have said that there is a hint to this in that which is written (Deuteronomy 1:1), “These are the words that Moses addressed to all Israel on the other side of the Jordan – through the desert, in the Aravah facing Suf.” The understanding is that at first he must study Torah, which is called a desert, as it is written (Numbers 21:18), “from the desert (homiletically interpreted as a reference to Torah) to Matanah”. And afterwards, he should recite Shema, as it is written (Mishnah Berakhot 1:1), “From when do we recite Shema at night (arvit)?” And then it will be effective to remind himself and face the end (sof), meaning the end of a person. And that is the meaning of that which is written (Avot 4:22), “And do not let your [evil] impulse assure you that (thought he conjunction can also mean, since) the netherworld is a refuge for you.” The understanding is that you should not let it reassure you that you will be saved on the day of judgement, because you [will claim that you] were not able to subdue your evil impulse, as it is stated (Psalms 37:32), “The evildoer (here understood as the evil impulse, see Kiddushin 30b) watches for the righteous.” About this, it said to him, “Was not the netherworld – meaning death – a refuge for you?” As by reminding yourself of the day of death, you are able to be saved from the evil impulse. However it is certainly not effective without Torah [study first]. And I have been lengthy in this [discussion].