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Exodus 14:11 - Fear overrides faith?

Exodus 14:11 - שמות 14:11

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמְרוּ אֶל־מֹשֶׁה הַמִבְּלִי אֵין־קְבָרִים בְּמִצְרַיִם לְקַחְתָּנוּ לָמוּת בַּמִּדְבָּר מַה־זֹּאת עָשִׂיתָ לָּנוּ לְהוֹצִיאָנוּ מִמִּצְרָיִם׃

English Translation

And they said to Moshe, Because there were no graves in Miżrayim, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? why hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us out of Miżrayim?

Transliteration

Vayomru el-Moshe ha-mibli ein-kvarim be-Mitzrayim lekachtanu lamut ba-midbar ma-zot asita lanu lehotzi'anu mi-Mitzrayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּאמְרוּ֮ אֶל־מֹשֶׁה֒ הֲֽמִבְּלִ֤י אֵין־קְבָרִים֙ בְּמִצְרַ֔יִם לְקַחְתָּ֖נוּ לָמ֣וּת בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר מַה־זֹּאת֙ עָשִׂ֣יתָ לָּ֔נוּ לְהוֹצִיאָ֖נוּ מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃
וַיֹּאמְרוּ֮ אֶל־מֹשֶׁה֒ הֲֽמִבְּלִ֤י אֵין־קְבָרִים֙ בְּמִצְרַ֔יִם לְקַחְתָּ֖נוּ לָמ֣וּת בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר מַה־זֹּאת֙ עָשִׂ֣יתָ לָּ֔נוּ לְהוֹצִיאָ֖נוּ מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 14:11) is spoken by Bnei Yisrael at the shores of the Yam Suf, when they see Pharaoh's army approaching. After experiencing the miracles of Yetziat Mitzrayim, they express fear and frustration, questioning Moshe's leadership.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "הַמִבְּלִי אֵין־קְבָרִים בְּמִצְרַיִם" ("Because there were no graves in Mitzrayim") is sarcastic. Bnei Yisrael were implying that Mitzrayim had ample graves—after all, they had just endured the plague of the firstborn, which caused many deaths. Their complaint suggests they believed dying in Mitzrayim would have been preferable to dying in the wilderness.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra notes that this complaint reflects their lack of emunah (faith) despite witnessing Hashem's miracles. They had just left Mitzrayim with great wealth (as described in Shemot 12:35-36), yet they immediately doubted Hashem's plan when faced with danger.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 21:5) compares Bnei Yisrael's attitude to a person rescued from prison who immediately complains about the journey home. The Midrash emphasizes their ingratitude, highlighting how quickly they forgot the suffering of slavery when confronted with a new challenge.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (1:23), Rambam explains that this episode demonstrates human nature—people often fear immediate dangers more than they appreciate past salvations. Their lack of patience and trust in Hashem's plan is a recurring theme in the wilderness narratives.

Lessons from the Verse

  • Bitachon (Trust in Hashem): Despite witnessing miracles, Bnei Yisrael struggled to maintain trust when facing new hardships.
  • Gratitude: The complaint shows a lack of appreciation for their newfound freedom, focusing only on present difficulties.
  • Leadership Challenges: Moshe faced constant tests of leadership, as the people often doubted him during moments of crisis.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ta'anit 20b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the complaints of the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness, illustrating their lack of faith and gratitude despite the miracles performed for them.
📖 Sanhedrin 111a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the generation of the wilderness and their complaints against Moses, highlighting their ingratitude and lack of trust in God's plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 14:11 mean?
A: In Exodus 14:11, the Israelites complain to Moshe (Moses) after leaving Egypt, expressing fear that they will die in the wilderness. They sarcastically ask if there were no graves in Egypt, implying they would have preferred to stay enslaved rather than face uncertainty. Rashi explains that this reflects their lack of faith in Hashem's plan, despite witnessing the miracles of the Exodus.
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse is important because it highlights a recurring theme in the Torah—the struggle of the Israelites to maintain faith during difficult transitions. The Midrash (Mechilta) notes that this complaint occurred right before the splitting of the Red Sea, showing how quickly fear can overshadow gratitude for past miracles. It teaches us about human nature and the need for trust in Hashem.
Q: What can we learn from the Israelites' complaint in Exodus 14:11?
A: We learn that even after experiencing great miracles, people may still doubt when faced with new challenges. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot) teaches that developing patience and trust in Hashem is essential. This verse reminds us to reflect on past deliverance and strengthen our faith during difficult times.
Q: How does this verse apply to our lives today?
A: Just as the Israelites struggled with fear of the unknown, we too may face moments of doubt when life feels uncertain. The Talmud (Berachot 10a) teaches that we should remember Hashem's kindness in past difficulties to build confidence in future salvation. This verse encourages us to avoid complaining and instead strengthen our trust in divine guidance.