Pensamiento judío sobre Zacarías 3:7

The need for abstinence in its general sense is due to what I have already introduced in the third gate of this book. Namely, that the Creator's purpose in creating mankind was in order to bring difficulties to the soul and test it in this world so that it purifies itself and attains the form of the holy angels, as written "If you walk in My ways, and if you keep My charge, you, too, shall judge My house, and you, too, shall guard My courtyards, and I will give you a place to walk among these that stand (i.e. the angels)" (Zechariah 3:7).

Midrash Rabbah Numbers 16, states "at the moment of "we shall do and we shall hear," G-d had put Israel out of bounds to the angel of death in order to give meaning to the word "cheyrut", freedom. Only due to the sin of the spies was this decree revoked as we read in Proverbs 1,25, "you have ruined all My plans," or "I said you are G-d like, however you will have to die like humans. (Psalms 82,6-7) This proves that the "nishma"part of the na-asseh venishma gave Israel a quality of life not possessed previously. The manner in which the spies ruined G-d’s plan is discussed in chapter 67.

Whoever does not fall short in fulfilling the obligations of this service belongs to the class of the pure pious ones and is worthy of reward in this world and in the next. But one who rises from this stage to the service of G-d, induced by reason, reaches the degree of the prophets and the elect of the Supreme - the saints. His reward here on earth is joy in the sweetness of the service of the L-ord, as the prophet said, "Your words were found, and I did eat them; and Your word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O L-ord G-d of hosts" (Jeremiah 15-16); furthermore, "The righteous shall be glad in the L-ord and trust in Him; and all the upright in heart shall glory" (Ps. 64:11) ; furthermore, "light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart" (Ps. 97:11). His reward in the world to come will consist in his attaining the highest illumination which we are unable to describe or picture, as it is said, "If you will walk in My ways and if you will keep My charge... I will give you a place to walk among these that stand by" (Zachariah 3:7); further, "How great is Your goodness which You have laid up for them that fear You, which You have done for them that trust in You before the children of men" (Ps. 31:20). Furthermore, "Eye has not seen, O G-d, beside You, what He will do for one that waits for Him" (Isaiah 64:3).