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Exodus 4:14 - Divine anger at reluctance.

Exodus 4:14 - שמות 4:14

Hebrew Text

וַיִּחַר־אַף יְהוָה בְּמֹשֶׁה וַיֹּאמֶר הֲלֹא אַהֲרֹן אָחִיךָ הַלֵּוִי יָדַעְתִּי כִּי־דַבֵּר יְדַבֵּר הוּא וְגַם הִנֵּה־הוּא יֹצֵא לִקְרָאתֶךָ וְרָאֲךָ וְשָׂמַח בְּלִבּוֹ׃

English Translation

And the anger of the Lord burned against Moshe, and he said, Is not Aharon the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he comes to meet thee: and when he sees thee, he will be glad in his heart.

Transliteration

Vayikhar-af Adonai beMoshe vayomar halo Aharon achikha halevi yadati ki-daber yedaber hu vegam hine-hu yotze likratekha vera'ekha vesamach belibo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּֽחַר־אַ֨ף יְהֹוָ֜ה בְּמֹשֶׁ֗ה וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ הֲלֹ֨א אַהֲרֹ֤ן אָחִ֙יךָ֙ הַלֵּוִ֔י יָדַ֕עְתִּי כִּֽי־דַבֵּ֥ר יְדַבֵּ֖ר ה֑וּא וְגַ֤ם הִנֵּה־הוּא֙ יֹצֵ֣א לִקְרָאתֶ֔ךָ וְרָאֲךָ֖ וְשָׂמַ֥ח בְּלִבּֽוֹ׃
וַיִּֽחַר־אַ֨ף יְהֹוָ֜ה בְּמֹשֶׁ֗ה וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ הֲלֹ֨א אַהֲרֹ֤ן אָחִ֙יךָ֙ הַלֵּוִ֔י יָדַ֕עְתִּי כִּֽי־דַבֵּ֥ר יְדַבֵּ֖ר ה֑וּא וְגַ֤ם הִנֵּה־הוּא֙ יֹצֵ֣א לִקְרָאתֶ֔ךָ וְרָאֲךָ֖ וְשָׂמַ֥ח בְּלִבּֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Divine Displeasure with Moshe

The verse states, "And the anger of the Lord burned against Moshe" (Shemot 4:14). Rashi explains that Hashem's anger was due to Moshe's repeated reluctance to accept the mission to redeem Bnei Yisrael from Egypt. Despite being chosen by Hashem, Moshe expressed doubt about his ability to speak effectively (Shemot 4:10-13). The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 3:14) elaborates that Moshe's hesitation stemmed from humility, but Hashem expected unwavering trust in His command.

The Role of Aharon

Hashem responds by directing Moshe to Aharon: "Is not Aharon the Levite thy brother?" The term "HaLevi" is noteworthy. Ramban suggests that this emphasizes Aharon's distinguished lineage as a Levite, a tribe later chosen for divine service. The Talmud (Zevachim 102a) notes that Aharon was already recognized as a leader among Bnei Yisrael, making him a fitting partner for Moshe.

Aharon's Eloquence and Joy

Hashem assures Moshe: "I know that he can speak well." Rashi explains that Aharon's oratory skills would complement Moshe's prophetic role. The Midrash Tanchuma (Shemot 27) adds that Aharon's heart was filled with genuine joy upon seeing Moshe, without jealousy—a model of brotherly love. This is derived from the phrase "he will be glad in his heart," indicating sincere happiness for Moshe's elevated role.

Lessons in Leadership and Humility

  • Trust in Divine Selection: Moshe's initial reluctance, though rooted in humility, teaches that one must not refuse a mission from Hashem (Rambam, Hilchos Dei'os 2:3).
  • Partnership in Service: Aharon's willingness to assist Moshe demonstrates that leadership often requires collaboration (Avos 4:1).
  • Joy for Others' Success: Aharon's heartfelt joy sets an ethical standard for overcoming personal ego (Pirkei Avos 5:19).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Hashem angry with Moshe in Exodus 4:14?
A: Hashem was angry with Moshe because he repeatedly refused to be the leader to take Bnei Yisrael out of Egypt, expressing self-doubt (Exodus 4:10-13). Rashi explains that Moshe's reluctance caused him to lose the privilege of being the sole leader—Aharon would now share this role with him.
Q: What does it mean that Aharon 'will be glad in his heart' when he sees Moshe?
A: The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 3:17) teaches that Aharon's joy was genuine—despite Moshe being chosen as the primary leader, Aharon felt no jealousy. This highlights Aharon's humility and love for his brother, setting an example of overcoming personal interests for a greater purpose.
Q: Why does Hashem call Aharon 'the Levite' in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that Hashem refers to Aharon as 'the Levite' to emphasize that Aharon was currently serving in the lesser role of a Levite (before the Kehunah was established). This underscores that leadership is granted by Hashem—Aharon would soon be elevated to Kohen Gadol despite his current status.
Q: How does this verse teach us about leadership in Judaism?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Dei'os 1:6) derives from here that true leaders must avoid arrogance. Moshe's humility initially made him reluctant, while Aharon's lack of jealousy qualified him. Jewish leadership requires selflessness and prioritizing the community's needs over personal honor.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Aharon's reaction in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 6b) teaches that Aharon's joy for Moshe exemplifies 'love without jealousy.' When others succeed—even in roles we might desire—we must emulate Aharon by sincerely rejoicing with them, as this brings unity and divine blessing.