The Wonders of Harav Yitzchack Kadouri

253 When G-d looks upon his world and ¿nds it not as it should be, the Divine attribute of justice seeks to govern the world. Thus G-d takes the tzaddik from within their midst, in order that the attribute of justice should prevail, as they then lack a protective shield. For as long as the tzaddik is alive, the attri- bute of justice cannot prevail and exact retribution. Where do we know this from? From Moshe, as it says, “And he desired to destroy them, were it not for Moshe his chosen one, who stood in the breech.” This is why G-d takes the tzaddik from their midst and removes him from the world. Only then can the attribute of justice call in its debts. This is borne out by the end of the verse, which says, “For the tzaddik was gathered in, to precede the outbreak of evil.” Before the outbreak of evil, the tzaddik passed away. The Midrash Hanealam ( Be- reishit ) writes a similar thought. The verse states, “And G-d said, let the waters gather from under the Heavens to one place and let the dry land appear.” Rabbi Tanchum expounded: When G-d looks upon the earth and sees that mankind lacks merit and many wicked people abound, he arouses the Divine attribute of justice. This is why it states, “Let the waters gather.” This refers to the death of tzaddikim, “to one place,” to a special place reserved just for them, when they ascend on High. What does the remainder of the verse state? “And let the dry land appear,” this refers to the wicked ones, who appear ‘dry,’ lacking the merits of the righteous to shield them from evil and cover over their deeds. This is why it states, “And the congregation saw that Aharon passed